Clever activation strategy widens access to phosphazene superbases

A sample of white crystals next to a bottle with a handwritten label

Source: © Garrett Hoteling/Colorado State University

Superbases stored as stable carboxylate salts – adding epoxide releases their full chemical potential

Carboxylate salts of phosphazenes can function as effective superbase precatalysts thanks to a new activation method. The benchtop strategy could boost access to phosphazene superbases by removing the requirement to store and use them in an inert atmosphere glovebox.