Fluorocarbanion chemistry. Tris(4-nitro-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorophenyl) methane and companions

The titled compound (2) is prepared by oxidation of tris(4-amino-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorophenyl) methane with 98% H2O2 and trifluoroacetic anhydride. Compound 2, a strong carbon acid, forms long-persisting deep blue solutions of the anion on reaction with alkalis, amines, and alcohols. Oxidation of the anion of 2 with KMnO4 provides the corresponding triarylmethyl radical. Reaction of 2 with LiOCH3 in methanol gives the stable blue lithium salt. The 4-cyano analog of 2 has also been prepared.