Tris(pentafluorophenyl) boron as a New Efficient, Air Stable, and Water Tolerant Catalyst in the Aldol-Type and Michael Reactions

The aldol-type and Michael reactions of silyl enol ethers with aldehydes and other electrophiles are successfully carried out using tris(pentafluorophenyl)boron as a catalyst. Water soluble aldehydes are applicable in this system.