Synthesis

A round-bottom flask was charged with K[B(C6F5)4] (0.720 g, 1 mmole) and Ph3CCl (0.280g, 1 mmole) in an argon glove box. The solids were dissolved in dichloromethane (~100 mL), and the reaction mixture was allowed to stir under an argon atmosphere. The solution became yellow-orange immediately. After stirring for 1 h, the solution was then filtered through Celite to remove KCl. The solvent volume was reduced to ~10 mL on a rotary evaporator to give a dark red oil. Addition of pentane resulted in yellow precipitate and a red oil. With sonication, the oil dispersed to give only yellow precipitate. The solid was isolated by filtration and dried in vacuo. Alternatively, the crude filtrate could be layered with pentane, and over the course of days to hours. Crystalline product formed. Isolated yield: 0.703 grams, 76%.

Solubility in organics

soluble in CH2Cl2, MeOH, and acetone, but its yellow color disappears because these solvents coordinate to the trityl salt.