Researchers Discover New Superacid

Researchers Discover New Superacid Researchers at Paderborn University have succeeded in producing highly specialized catalysts known as "Lewis superacids," which can be used to break strong chemical bonds and accelerate reactions. Until now, it has been established through experience that production of these substances is extremely difficult. The chemists' discovery enables fluorinated hydrocarbons resembling Teflon, which are not biodegradable, and even potentially climate-damaging greenhouse gases such as sulfur hexafluoride, to be converted back into sustainable chemicals. The researchers published their results in Angewandte Chemie. "Lewis acids" are compounds that add electron pairs. Due to this capability, they are commonly used to accelerate chemical reactions. Lewis superacids are more powerful than antimony pentafluoride, the strongest Lewis acid, and can break even the most challenging bonds. Professor Jan Paradies from the Department of Chemistry at Paderborn University explained, "For strong bonds, you need highly reactive reactants, that is, extremely reactive substances." The new catalyst can break apart particularly stable carbon-fluorine or sulfur-fluorine bonds, for example. Paradies added, "In fact, these Lewis superacids are incredibly reactive, which makes their production and use difficult. Using one method, we succeeded in producing such molecules and using them in catalytic reactions. This makes it possible, for example, to activate less reactive carbon-fluorine or sulfur-fluorine bonds and actually make them reactive." Researchers in the chemistry department at Paderborn University are combining their efforts at the Center for Sustainable Systems Design (CSSD), which brings together interdisciplinary fundamental research in the field of sustainability. The complementary scientific interests of the relevant groups form the core of new approaches in developing sustainable systems. The center aims to leverage this capacity to contribute to sustainable resource use. These and related topics are also addressed within the framework of the master's program "Sustainable Chemistry" at Paderborn. Paradies stated, "In this way, we place clear emphasis on sustainability not only in research but also in teaching." Source: More information: Laura Köring et al, Boron-Centered Lewis Superacid through Redox-Active Ligands: Application in C−F and S−F Bond Activation, Angewandte Chemie International Edition (2023). DOI: 10.1002/anie.202216959 Journal information: Angewandte Chemie International Edition , Angewandte Chemie / https://phys.org/news/2023-02-superacid.html