Group IIIA halometallate ionic liquids (ILs) present fascinating properties for the field of catalysis, particularly through the ability to tune their Lewis acidity solely by changing the metal complex speciation. In this Review, we present a critical perspective on the use of Group IIIA halide-derived ILs in catalysis, focusing on the effect of speciation of the metal-containing ions on various acid-catalyzed reactions, some of which are applied industrially. We summarize all applications of Group IIIA halometallates in catalysis (where they are notably well-represented in reactions of importance in petroleum refining and processing), compare the authors’ investigations or assumptions with regard to chemical speciation, and present examples of how the tunability of these materials is used to overcome their initially perceived drawbacks. Further, advances in the field of halometallate ILs such as the role of the cations in the IL, IL analogues, and heterogenization strategies are discussed. High selectivity, reactivity, and stability are the cornerstones of the ideal catalyst, and the journey of catalysis research toward the ideal catalyst will be possible only with rational catalyst design and innovative thinking.

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IIIA组卤代金属离子液体：形态及其在催化中的应用

IIIA族金属卤化物离子液体（ILs）在催化领域表现出令人着迷的特性，特别是通过仅通过改变金属络合物的形态即可调节其路易斯酸度的能力。在这篇综述中，我们提出了在催化中使用IIIA族卤化物衍生IL的批判性观点，着眼于含金属离子的形态形成对各种酸催化反应的影响，其中一些在工业上得到了应用。我们总结了IIIA族金属卤化物在催化中的所有应用（其中在石油精炼和加工中的重要反应中得到了很好的体现），比较了作者对化学形态的研究或假设，并举例说明了这些材料用于克服它们最初的缺点。进一步，讨论了金属卤化物ILs领域的进展，例如阳离子在IL中的作用，IL类似物和异质化策略。高选择性，反应性和稳定性是理想催化剂的基石，只有通过合理的催化剂设计和创新思维，催化研究向理想催化剂发展的旅程才有可能。