title: Catalytic C-F activation and hydrodefluorination of fluoroalkyl groups.
abstract: A powerful fluoride trap: The extremely Lewis acidic silyl cation [Et(3)Si](+) is an active catalyst for the hydrodefluorination of fluoroalkyl groups at room temperature (see example). The carborane anion [CHB(11)H(5)Cl(6)](-) plays an essential role in the catalytic cycle as a weakly coordinating anion that stabilizes cationic intermediates.
authors.affiliation: Institut für Chemie, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Brook-Taylor-Strasse 2, 12489 Berlin, Germany.
authors.forename: Gregor
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Meier
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Braun