Lewis acidic centers impart function to a number of compounds useful as catalysts, anion sensors, and frameworks for the activation of small molecules or C-F bonds. Calorimetric studies dating to the 1960s have shown that main group Lewis acids such as SbF5 could supplant classical B and Al-based Lewis acids due to their greater acidity, but these species are highly reactive and therefore possess limited stability in ambient environments. More recently, Lewis acidic organoantimony(V) materials have been investigated as potential alternatives due to their improved air and moisture stability. We have synthesized three novel aryl antimony(V) compounds and characterized their structures through 1H NMR and X-ray diffraction measurements. Two of these compounds are highly Lewis acidic, and all appear to retain their stability in ambient environments. We have also characterized the binding behavior of two aryl antimony(V) species with the Lewis basic fluoride ion through 1H and 19F NMR measurements. Our results represent the discovery of new organoantimony(V) Lewis acids and an improved understanding of their interactions with Lewis bases.

Synthesis and characterization of antimony(V) Lewis Acids

253rd National Meeting (2017)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.