A Lewis acid polymerization catalyst has a general formula M(R1)1(R2)1(R3)1(R4)0 or 1, whereas M is boron, R1, R2, R3, and R4 are each independent, R1 is a 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-substituted phenyl group, R2 is the 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)-substituted phenyl group or a first fluoro-substituted phenyl group selected from Set 1 structures, R3 is independently a second fluoro-substituted phenyl group selected from the Set 1 structures, and optional R4 includes a third functional group or functional polymer group.