The 'super acid' BFHO stabilized by 1,4-dioxane: new preparative aspects and the crystal structure of BFHO·CHO.

Highly Brønsted-acidic boron trifluoride monohydrate, a widely used 'super acid-catalyst', is a colourless fuming liquid that releases BF at room temperature. Com-pared to the liquid com-ponents, boron trifluoride monohydrate and 1,4-dioxane, their 1:1 adduct, BFHO·CHO, is a solid with pronounced thermal stability (m.p.

A convenient synthesis of triflate anion ionic liquids and their properties.

A solvent- and halogen-free synthesis of high purity triflate ionic liquids via direct alkylation of organic bases (amines, phosphines or heterocyclic compounds) with methyl and ethyl trifluoromethanesulfonate (methyl and ethyl triflate) has been developed. Cheap and non-toxic dimethyl and diethyl carbonate serve as source for the methyl and ethyl groups in the preparation of methyl and ethyl triflate by this invented process. The properties of ionic liquids containing the triflate anion are determined and discussed.

Metagenomic cellulases highly tolerant towards the presence of ionic liquids--linking thermostability and halotolerance.

Cellulose is an important renewable resource for the production of bioethanol and other valuable compounds. Several ionic liquids (ILs) have been described to dissolve water-insoluble cellulose and/or wood. Therefore, ILs would provide a suitable reaction medium for the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose if cellulases were active and stable in the presence of high IL concentrations.