The reaction of boron trihalides with CF3Sn(CH3)3 in the presence of trimethylamine

The reaction of CF₃Sn(CH₃)₃ with BCl₃ and BBr₃ in the presence of trimethylamine has been investigated. The volatile adducts CF₂XBF₂·N(CH₃)₃ (X = F, Cl and Br) have been isolated from the complex reaction mixture while the anions BF^?₄, CF₂XBF^?₃, CF₃BF₂CF₂X^? and (CF₂X)₂BF^?₂ have been identified in the residue. (CH₃)₃NH]CF₂ClBF₃] has been isolated. The formation of the CF₂XB derivatives is likely to occur via CF₂ insertion, which is promoted by the presence of N(CH₃)₃. NMR, IR, Raman and mass spectra of the novel fluoromethyl borane derivatives are reported.