Stable trifluoromethylselenates(0), [A]SeCF3 -: Synthesis, characterizations and properties

[NMe4]SeCF3 is prepared in better than 65% yields from the reaction of [NMe4]F, red selenium and Me3SiCF3. The colorless solid decomposes at 215-217 degreesC and can be used as a versatile tool to prepare a variety of SeCF3 derivatives of different compositions. Colorless crystals were formed on cooling saturated MeCN solutions to -30 degreesC. Excellent agreement between experimental and theoretical vibrational frequencies, calculated at the B3PW91 level of theory, confirms the salt-like nature of [NMe4]SeCF3. Cation exchange of NMe4+ for P(Ph-3)Me+, N(n-Bu)(4)(+), [18-crown-6]K+ and [dibenzo-18-crown-6]K+ (A(+)) gave colorless or yellow crystalline materials of the general composition [A]SeCF3. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.