Beryllium triflates: synthesis and structure of BeL₂(OTf)₂ (L=H₂O, THF, ⁿBu₂O)

Beryllium and BeCl2 were treated with trifluoromethanesulfonic acid and trimethylsilyltriflate, respectively to form beryllium triflates BeL2(OTf)(2) (L=H2O, THF, (Bu2O)-Bu-n). The Be-O atomic distances (1.605-1.635 angstrom) between Be2+ and the triflate anions in solid state are the shortest known distances of this kind in a metal triflate yet. Attempts to remove the solvate molecules led to the decomposition of the obtained compounds.