Synthesis, Lipophilicity, and Stability of Tetrakis (pentafluorophenyl) borate (FTPB) Anion under Highly Acidic Conditions in Comparison with Those of Tetrakis (3,5-bis (trifluoromethyl) phenyl) borate (TFPB) Anion

Abstract

An improved synthetic method for tetramethylammonium FTPB by a metal-halogen exchange reaction of pentafluorophenyl bromide with magnesium in the presence of a catalytic amount of butyl bromide and by a subsequent reaction with boron trifluoride diethyl ether was developed. The lipophilicity of tetramethylammonium FTPB in a range of hydrophobic organic solvents and its stability under highly acidic conditions were investigated in comparison with those of tetramethylammonium TFPB.