Activation of C−F Bonds by Electrophilic Organosilicon Sites Supported on Sulfated Zirconia.

The reaction of allyltriisopropylsilane with partially dehydroxylated sulfated zirconium oxide (SZO) forms surface organosilicon species. Solid‐state NMR studies of the organosilicon functionalized SZO shows that electrophilic [TIPS][SZO] sites are present on the surface, in addition to less reactive TIPS‐Ox and SiOx species. The electrophilic [TIPS][SZO] sites are strong Lewis acids from solid‐state 31P NMR analysis of triethylphosphine oxide (O=PEt3) contacted materials. [TIPS][SZO] is active in hydrodefluorination reactions in the presence of Et3SiH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]