Uses
Benzoic acid (trifluoromethanesulfonic acid)anhydride is useful as a reagent for protecting hindered hydroxyl groups as their benzoyl esters; a reagent for effecting bridgehead carboxaldehyde ring expansion; a highly reactive benzoylating reagent for Friedel-Crafts acylation.
Preparation
Benzoic acid (trifluoromethanesulfonic acid)anhydride is synthesized from Benzoyl Chloride and Trifluoromethanesulfonic Acid. Generation in situ has been achieved with benzoyl chloride and silver triflate, benzoic anyhdride and triflic acid, and reaction of S-methyl thiobenzoate with methyl triflate.
storage
Very moisture sensitive and corrosive. Darkens on exposure to air, but can be stored at rt under dry nitrogen for several months without appreciable decomposition.
