Abstract:
A series of molecules capable of releasing of the strong organometallic Lewis acid B(C6F5)3 upon
exposure to 254 nm light have been developed. These photo Lewis acid generators (PhLAGs) can now
serve as photoinitiators for several important B(C6F5)3-catalyzed reactions. Herein is described the synthesis
of the triphenylsulfonium and diphenyliodonium salts of carbamato- and hydridoborates, their
establishment as PhLAGs, and studies aimed at defining the mechanism of borane release. Factors
affecting these photolytic reactions and the application of this concept to photoinduced hydrosilylation
reactions and construction of siloxane scaffolds are also discussed