Chemistry with Carborane Anions

在这个由化学部化学合成项目资助的项目中，加州大学河滨分校化学系的克里斯托弗·里德教授将利用最稳定、最不碱性、最不配位的阴离子——全氟碳硼烷阴离子，探索阳离子化学的极端。这种阴离子的共轭酸可能是世界上最强的酸。它应该是一种足够强的酸，可以将氢离子添加到一些最弱的碱性分子中，这些分子以前没有被质子化过（例如Xe）。该酸还将被探索作为酸催化反应的新型催化剂，如碳氢化合物的室温裂解和卤代烃和氟利昂的分解。卤代烃化学废物的修复有潜在的用途，可将其转化为有用的碳氢化合物燃料。这项研究的广泛影响包括，有关阳离子、酸性和惰性阴离子的新知识可能会影响重要的商业领域，如石油重整、聚合催化、电池技术和燃料电池技术。这项补助金主要是训练学生进行研究的工具。加州大学河滨分校的学生中有很多来自传统上代表性不足的群体（例如西班牙裔），因此该项目为他们参与一线化学研究并吸引他们从事科学事业提供了极好的机会。

In this project funded by the Chemical Synthesis Program of the Chemistry Division, Professor Christopher Reed of the Department of Chemistry at the University of California, Riverside will explore the extremes of cation chemistry by utilizing the most stable, least basic, least coordinating anion - the perfluorinated carborane anion. The conjugate acid of this anion may be the world's strongest acid. It should be a strong enough acid to add H+ to some of the most weakly basic molecules, ones that have not been protonated before (e.g. Xe). The acid will also be explored as a novel catalyst for acid-catalyzed reactions such the room temperature cracking of hydrocarbons and the decomposition of halocarbons and freons. There are potential uses in the remediation of halocarbon chemical waste, converting it into useful hydrocarbons fuels.The broader impacts of this research include the possibility that new knowledge about cations, acidity and inert anions will impact commercially important areas such as petroleum reforming, polymerization catalysis, battery technology and fuel cell technology. The grant is primarily a vehicle for student training in research. UC Riverside has a high population of students from traditionally under-represented groups (e.g. Hispanics) so this project provides excellent opportunities for involving them in frontline chemical research and attracting them to careers in science.