27.08.2026 Moleculare Bismuth Dications!

Lewis superacids: we present dicationic bismuth compounds with a CF₃ ligand. Combining two concepts (twofold positive complex charge and a ligand with a pronounced group electronegativity), Lewis superacidic properties are realized (i.e. more Lewis acidic than SbF₅). In addition, a peerless activation of soft Lewis bases is achieved (with SPMe₃ and SePMe₃ as model substrates). These properties are translated into the catalyzed regeneration of phosphanes from phosphane oxides with remarkable catalytic activities and a considerable substrate scope. These findings have just been accepted for publication in Chem. Sci. - congratulations to the team!