Rare-earth metal triflates trifluoromethanesulfonates

The thermal stability of some thermosetting nanocomposites obtained by thermal cationic cure of diglycidilether of bisphenol A and y-valerolactone using rare earth metal triflates (trifluoromethanesulfonate) as initiators and containing different types of Cloisite was studied. The addition of clay into the polymeric matrix was found to increase the thermal stability, acting as a superior insulator and mass transport barrier to the volatile products evolved during thermal decomposition [67]. 

In the course of our investigations to circumvent the second drawback in the use of water (the decomposition problem), we have found that some metal salts such as rare earth metal triflates (triflate = trifluoromethanesulfonate) can be used as water-compatible Lewis acids [16,17]. Lewis acid catalysis has attracted much attention in organic synthesis [18]. Although various kinds of Lewis acids have been developed and many have been applied in industry, these Lewis acids must be generally used under strictly anhydrous conditions. The presence of even a small amount of water stops the reactions, because most Lewis acids immediately react with water rather than substrates. In addition, recovery and reuse of the conventional Lewis acids are formidable tasks. These disadvantages have restricted the use of Lewis acids in organic synthesis. 

Rare earth metals and scandium trifluoromethanesulfonates (lanthanide and scandium triflates) are strong Lewis acids that are quite effective as catalysts in... 

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