A simple access to metallic or onium bistrifluoromethanesulfonimide salts

Numerous salts of the (CF3SO2)(2)N- anion, called TFSI, were prepared according to an Original one-pot procedure. First, N-benzyl trifluoromethanesulfonimide (N-benzyl triflimide) was treated with ethanol to form an oxonium intermediate, which was then neutralized by various bases to provide metallic or trialkylammonium triflimides salts. Alternatively, N-benzyl triflimide was directly treated with trialkyl sulfonium, quaternary ammonium or phosphonium halides to deliver the corresponding triflimide derivatives. N-Benzyl triflimide can be also reacted with di- or tri-alkylamines and phosphines to get benzyl onium salts. Analogous reactions can be carried out with N-allyl triflimide. Therefore, the TFSI anion can be very easily and expediently associated with a wide range of metallic or organic cations. Such salts can find applications as electrolytes for batteries and fuel cells, ionic liquids or Lewis acids. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.