Metallocene bis(perfluoroalkanesulfonate)s as air-stable cationic Lewis acids

Zirconocene and titanocene bis(perfluorooctanesulfonate)s were synthesized. In contrast to the corresponding triflates and perchlorates, these compounds are air- and water-stable. They were proved to be ionic on the basis of conductivity measurements and X-ray analysis, allowing these complexes to be stored for months. The strong Lewis acidity of these cationic metallocene species, which was proved by ESR study, enabled catalytic glycosylation.

Graphical abstractZirconocene and titanocene bis(perfluorooctanesulfonate)s were synthesized. These compounds are air-and water-stable. They were proved to be ionic on the basis of conductivity measurements and X-ray analysis. The strong Lewis acidity of these cationic metallocene species, which was proved by ESR study, enabled catalytic glycosylation.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide