The concept of �frustrated Lewis pair� (FLP) chemistry represents a new strategy in the development of metal-free catalytic processes for small molecule activation that operate under mild conditions. An FLP is a combination of a Lewis acid and base that is sterically precluded from forming a Lewis acid-base adduct. Typical pairs include a borane (acid) and a phosphine/amine (base). The bifunctional and unquenched nature of the FLPs makes them capable of reacting with olefins, alkynes, disulfides, diynes, N2O, and CO2,among others. Such variety of reactivity suggests a large range of potential applications for FLPs. However, all chemistry to-date has been homogeneous (i.e., in solution), whereas the full impact of most catalysts is achieved only when they are supported. Recently, we found that a molecular analog of a silica-supported FLP, a triethoxysilyl-substituted propylB(C6F5)2, is capable of activating small molecules including H2, NO2, and CO2 in the presence of tBu3P (as evidenced by solution NMR). We have prepared heterogeneous organoborane-modified silicas, such as [B(C6F5)2OSi=] and [B(C6F5)2(CH2)3OSi=] and are studying their propensity for small molecule activation.

Towards a heterogeneous version of FLP catalysts

248th National Meeting (2014)

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