Improved synthesis, characterization and catalytic application of [H(OEt2)2][B{C6H3(m-CF3)2}4]

•The acid was prepared straightforward through a one pot reaction.•The acid has good stability at room temperature and normal lab atmosphere.•Isobutene polymerization was performed at ambient temperatures using the acid as catalyst.•Conversions of up to ca. 90% can be obtained.•Toluene/CH2Cl2 and hexane/CH2Cl2 mixtures were used as solvents.

[H(OEt2)2][B{C6H3(m-CF3)2}4] has been straightforwardly prepared through a one pot reaction. The product has been characterized by elemental and thermogravimetric analysis, 1H, 13C NMR and IR spectroscopy. The catalytic activity of the acid in the polymerization of isobutene has been studied. Polymerizations were performed at a temperature interval from 0 to 30 °C. The catalytic results show conversions between 34 and 88% and between 84 and 92% in about 30 min for complexes [H(OEt2)2][B{C6H3(m-CF3)2}4] and [H(OEt2)2][B(C6F5)4], respectively.

Graphical abstractTwo oxonium acids were used as catalysts for the production of highly reactive polyisobutenes in chlorinated and non-chlorinated solvents at ambient temperature. Room temperature polymerization is an advantage compared to the current industrial processes, where polymerization takes place below 273 K using chlorinated solvents.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide