This project, funded by the Inorganic, Bioinorganic and Organo- metallic Chemistry Program, will undertake the synthesis and characterization of new examples of carbon and nitrogen acids that have very high acidities as a result of substitution by perfluoroalkylsulfonyl groups. The conjugate bases of these acids are predicted to be highly stable and to have very low nucleophilicities. In a second area, metal salts of these strong acids, both monoprotic and polyprotic, will be prepared and their solid state structures determined by x-ray crystallography. Preliminary studies indicate that such derivatives are likely to have layered or zeolitic structures with potentially useful applications. Finally, in a continuation of earlier NSF-funded research, further studies of the fluorination of organic compounds by fluorobis(polyfluoro- alkylsulfonyl)amines will be undertaken along with efforts to develop larger scale syntheses of this class of compounds. %%% The high electron withdrawing capability of fluorine as a substituent results in very unusual properties for its compounds. At the same time introduction of fluorine into many compounds, and organic compounds in particular, is difficult because of the highly reactive nature of the element and many of the reagents used for this purpose. This project will undertake further fundamental studies of the synthesis and properties of highly fluorinated materials. Potential uses for the new compounds to be synthesized include ionic conductors, catalysts, and high temperature electrolytes.
