Borocation catalysis

Abstract

The synthesis, stability and catalytic reactivity of borocations are described in the context of their reaction in frustrated Lewis pair-type processes. The reactivity of these unique Lewis acids can be predicted based on the number of substituents and their ability to stabilize the positive charge on boron. Tricoordiante borenium ions prove to be the most catalytically relevant and their use in the catalytic transformations of organic molecules is described.