Organic reactions catalyzed by the Brønsted acid B(C6F5)3·H2O

Abstract

In recent years, B(C₆F₅)₃ has demonstrated its formidable capability as a Lewis acid in catalyzing reactions as an alternative to metal catalysts. Recent research has highlighted that its hydrated form, B(C₆F₅)₃·H₂O, is gradually emerging as a strong Brønsted acid in catalysis and exhibits superior properties compared to other Brønsted acids in some reactions. This article summarizes and categorizes several types of reactions catalyzed by B(C₆F₅)₃·H₂O and their mechanisms, including addition reactions, substitution reactions, ring-expansion reactions, and ring-opening reactions. Furthermore, B(C₆F₅)₃·H₂O can serve both to enhance photocatalysts and as a component of photocatalysts. Finally, the catalytic prospects of B(C₆F₅)₃·H₂O as a strong Brønsted acid have been delineated.