Primary alanes and alanates: useful synthetic reagents in aluminum chemistry

A Brønsted Acidic Gallium Hydride: Facile Interconversion of NNNN-Macrocycle Supported [GaI]+ and [GaIIIH]2

Protonolysis of [Cp*M] (M=Ga, In, Tl) with [(Me₄TACD)H][BAr₄^Me] (Me₄TACD=N,N′,N′′,N′′′‐tetramethyl‐1,4,7,10‐tetraazacyclododecane; [BAr₄^Me]⁻=[B{C₆H₃‐3,5‐(CH₃)₂}₄]⁻) provided monovalent salts [(Me₄TACD)M][BAr₄^Me], whereas [Cp*Al]₄ yielded trivalent [(Me₄TACD)AlH][BAr₄^Me]₂. Protonation of [(Me₄TACD)Ga][BAr₄^Me] with [Et₃NH][BAr₄^Me] gave an unusually acidic (pK_a(CH₃CN)=24.5) gallium(III) hydride dication [(Me₄TACD)GaH][BAr₄^Me]₂. Deprotonation with IMe₄ (1,3,4,5‐tetramethyl‐imidazol‐ylidene) returned [(Me₄TACD)Ga][BAr₄^Me]. These reversible processes occur with formal two‐electron oxidation and reduction of gallium. DFT calculations suggest that gallium(I) protonation is facilitated by strong coordination of the tetradentate ligand, which raises the HOMO energy. High nuclear charge of [(Me₄TACD)GaH]²⁺ facilitates hydride‐to‐metal charge transfer during deprotonation. Attempts to prepare a gallium(III) dihydride cation resulted in spontaneous dehydrogenation to [(Me₄TACD)Ga]⁺.

Molecular Main Group Metal Hydrides

This review serves to document advances in the synthesis, versatile bonding, and reactivity of molecular main group metal hydrides within Groups 1, 2, and 12-16. Particular attention will be given to the emerging use of said hydrides in the rapidly expanding field of Main Group element-mediated catalysis. While this review is comprehensive in nature, focus will be given to research appearing in the open literature since 2001.

Mixed Low-Valent Alanes from the Bis(4-methyl-benzoxazol-2-yl)methanide Ligand

Within this work, an aluminum dihydride complex ([(^4-MeBox₂CH)AlH₂]) (1) based on the bis(4-methyl-benzoxazol-2-yl)methanide ligand was synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic methods (NMR, ATR-IR, and fluorescence), DSC (differential scanning calorimetry), mass spectrometry (LIFDI), and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The reactivity of alane 1 was investigated toward the reducing agents [^DippNacNacAl^I] and [(^MesNacNacMg^I)₂], which gave the dialane compounds [(^4-MeBox₂CH)HAl^II-Al^IIH(^DippNacNac)] (2) and [{(^4-MeBox₂CH)Al^IIH}₂] (4a), respectively. Furthermore, dialuminoxanes [{(^4-MeBox₂CH)AlH}₂(μ-O)] (4b) and [({(^MesNacNac)Mg}₂(μ-H)){H₃Al^II-Al^IIH(^4-MeBox₂CH)}] (4c) were isolated as byproducts, with 4b co-crystallizing with 4a. The hydricity of both hydrides in the mixed-ligated dialane 2 were examined by a reaction with 1 equiv of trityl borate ([Ph₃C][B(C₆F₅)₄]), which resulted in [(^4-MeBox₂CH)HAl^II-Al^II(^DippNacNac)][B(C₆F₅)₄] (3). Due to the formation of 4b, complex 1 was reacted with 0.5 equiv of water, which causes the likely synthesis of insoluble oligomeric alumoxanes. To prevent this reaction and support the formation of well-defined dialumoxanes, 1 was initially converted to [(^4-MeBox₂CH)(DippO)AlH] (5) by the deprotonation of 2,6-diisopropylphenol (propofol). This sterically encumbered compound 5 was subsequently reacted with 0.5 equiv of water, which resulted in defined molecules of [{(^4-MeBox₂CH)(DippO)Al}₂(μ-O)] (6). All these compounds exemplify the versatility of the ^4-MeBox₂CH ligand in low-valent aluminum chemistry.

Reaction of Dialumane Incorporating Bulky Eind Groups with Pyridines

The reaction of the bulky Eind-based dialumane, (Eind)HAl(μ-H)2AlH(Eind) (1) (Eind = 1,1,3,3,5,5,7,7-octaethyl-s-hydrindacen-4-yl), with pyridines is described. When 1 was treated with pyridine (Py) in toluene, the Py adduct of aryldihydroalumane, Py→AlH2(Eind) (2), was initially formed. Then, the hydroalumination of Py took place to yield the Py-bound aryl(1,4-dihydropyrid-1-yl)hydroalumane, Py→AlH(1,4-dihydropyrid-1-yl)(Eind) (3). A similar reaction with a stronger Lewis base, 4-pyrrolidinopyridine (PPy), produced the stable PPy adduct, PPy→AlH2(Eind) (4). The resulting organoaluminum compounds have been fully characterized by NMR spectroscopy as well as X-ray crystallography. The reaction mechanism from 1 to 3 via 2 has been examined by deuterium labeling experiments using (Eind)DAl(μ-D)2AlD(Eind) (1-d4).

Reaction of an N/Al FLP-based aluminum hydride toward alkynes: deprotonated alumination versus hydroalumination with regioselective cis-addition character

Reactions of an N/Al FLP-based aluminum dihydride (o-TMP-C6H4)AlH2 (1, TMP = N(CMe2CH2)2CH2) with several terminal and internal alkynes were studied. 1 reacted with HC[triple bond, length as m-dash]CR by deprotonated alumination to yield (o-TMP-C6H4)Al(C[triple bond, length as m-dash]CR)2 (R = Ph (2), 1-C4H3S (3)) and with HC[triple bond, length as m-dash]CPPh2 by deprotonated alumination followed by HC[triple bond, length as m-dash]CPPh2 C(sp)-H-activation addition to yield [o-(TMP)H-C6H4]Al(C[triple bond, length as m-dash]CPPh2)3 (4). Furthermore, 1 reacted with R1C[triple bond, length as m-dash]CR2 to produce mono-hydroalumination compounds (o-TMP-C6H4)AlH(CR1[double bond, length as m-dash]CHR2) (R1,R2 = Ph,Ph (5), Ph,Et (6) and SiHMeR',Ph (7, R' = N(SiMe2Ph)-2,6-iPr2C6H3), all as monomers, as well as {(o-TMP-C6H4)AlH[C(PPh2)[double bond, length as m-dash]CHPh]}2 (8), a dimer formed due to the intermolecular P/Al donor-acceptor interaction. Moreover, bis-hydroalumination compounds (o-TMP-C6H4)Al(CR1[double bond, length as m-dash]CHR2)2 (R1,R2 = SiHMe2,PPh2 (9) and SiHPh2,PPh2 (10)) were produced. Natural Bond Orbital (NBO) analysis was performed, which revealed the inequivalent charge distribution on the C[triple bond, length as m-dash]C carbon atoms of the alkynes that have two different substituents. The electronic matching interaction between the Al-H and C[triple bond, length as m-dash]C bonds is discussed. The hydroalumination reaction exhibits the regioselective cis-addition character.

Cationic aluminum hydride complexes: reactions of carbene–alane adducts with trityl-borate

Reaction of (Idipp)AlH₃ with [Ph₃C][B(C₆F₅)₄] in toluene affords the dimeric aluminum dication [((Idipp)AlH(μ-H))₂][B(C₆F₅)₄]₂ with the corresponding reaction of (IBn)AlH₃ gives [(IBn)₂AlH][B(C₆F₅)₄]₂.

A persistent alkylaluminum peroxide: surprising stability of a molecule with strong reducing and oxidizing functions in close proximity

The reaction of the beta-diketiminato coordinated aluminum dihydride, [{HC[C(Me)N-C(6)H(5)](2)}AlH(2)] (1) with bis(trimethylsilyl)methyllithium afforded the monoalkylaluminum derivative [{HC[C(Me)N-C(6)H(5)](2)}Al(H)-CH(SiMe(3))(2)] (2) by the precipitation of lithium hydride. Interestingly, treatment of 2 with tert-butyl hydrogenperoxide did not result in the formation of the simple oxidation product containing a hydroxo or alkoxo group, instead, elemental hydrogen was released and the hydrido ligand attached to aluminum was replaced by an intact tert- butylperoxo group. The Al-C bond, which normally is extremely sensitive towards an attack of oxygen, was not affected. Hence, the product exhibits quite conflicting chemical properties in a close proximity: a strongly reducing Al-C bond beside an oxidizing peroxo group.

Structure and bonding in cyclic isomers of BAl2Hnm (n=3-6, m=-2 to +1): preference for planar tetracoordination, pyramidal tricoordination, and divalency

The structure and energetics of cyclic BAl2Hnm (n=3-6, m=-2 to +1), calculated at the B3LYP/6-311+G** and QCISD(T)/6-311++G** levels, are compared with their corresponding homocyclic boron and aluminium analogues. Structures in which the boron and aluminium atoms have coordination numbers of up to six are found to be minima. There is a parallel between structure and bonding in isomers of BAl2H(3)2- and BSi2H3. The number of structures that contain hydrogens out of the BAl2 ring plane is found to increase from BAl2H3(2-) to BAl2H6+. Double bridging at one bond is common in BAl2H5 and BAl2H6+. Similarly, species with lone pairs on the divalent boron and aluminium atoms are found to be minima on the potential energy surface of BAl2H(3)2-. BAl2H4- (2 b) is the first example of a structure with planar tetracoordinate boron and aluminium atoms in the same structure. Bridging hydrogen atoms on the B--Al bond prefer not to be in the BAl2 plane so that the pi MO is stabilised by pi-sigma mixing. This stabilisation increases with increasing number of bridging hydrogen atoms. The order of stability of the individual structures is decided by optimising the preference for lower coordination at aluminium, a higher coordination at boron and more bridging hydrogen atoms between B--Al bonds. The relative stabilisation energy (RSE) for the minimum energy structures of BAl2Hnm that contain pi-delocalisation are compared with the corresponding homocyclic aluminium and boron analogues.

Insertion, Reduction, and Carbon–Carbon Coupling Induced by Monomeric Aluminum Hydride Compounds Bearing Substituted Pyrrolyl Ligands

A monomeric aluminum hydride complex bearing substituted pyrrolyl ligands, AlH[C(4)H(3)N(CH(2)NMe(2))-2](2) (1), was synthesized and structurally characterized. To further confirm the presence of Al--H bonds, the compound AlD[C(4)H(3)N(CH(2)NMe(2))-2](2) ([D]1) was synthesized by reacting LiAlD(4) with [C(4)H(4)N(CH(2)NMe(2))-2]. Compound 1 and [D]1 react with phenyl isothiocyanate yielding Al[C(4)H(3)N(CH(2)NMe(2))-2](2)[eta(3)-SCHNPh] (2) and Al[C(4)H(3)N(CH(2)NMe(2))-2](2)[eta(3)-SCDNPh] ([D]2) by insertion. The reactions of 1 with 9-fluorenone and benzophenone generated the unusual aluminum alkoxide complexes 3 and 4, respectively, through intramolecular proton abstraction and C-C coupling. A mechanistic study shows that 9-fluorenone coordinates to [D]1 and releases one equivalent of HD followed by C-C coupling and hydride transfer to yield the final product. Reduction of benzil with 1 affords aluminum enediolate complex 5 in moderate yield. Mechanistic studies also showed that the benzil was inserted into the aluminum hydride bond of [D]1 through hydroalumination followed by proton transfer to generate the final product [D]5. All new complexes have been characterized by (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography.

Synthesis of Carbaalane Halogen Derivatives

The carbaalane halogen derivatives [(AlX)(6)(AlNMe(3))(2)(CCH(2)CH(2)SiMe(3))(6)] (X = F (9), Cl (7), Br (10), I (11)) were prepared in toluene from [(AlH)(6)(AlNMe(3))(2)(CCH(2)CH(2)SiMe(3))(6)] (6) and BF(3).OEt(2), BX(3) (X = Br, I), Me(3)SnF, and Me(3)SiX (X = Cl, Br, I), respectively. A partially halogenated product [(AlH)(2)(AlX)(4)(AlNMe(3))(2)(CCH(2)CH(2)SiMe(3))(6)] (12) (X = Cl (approximately 40%), Br (approximately 60%)) was obtained from 5 and impure BBr(3). [(AlH)(6)(AlNMe(3))(2)(CCH(2)Ph)(6)] (5) was converted to [(AlX)(6)(AlNMe(3))(2)(CCH(2)Ph)(6)] (X = F (13), Cl (14), Br (15), I (16)) using BF(3).OEt(2) and Me(3)SiX (X = Cl, Br, I), respectively. The X-ray single-crystal structures of 11.C(6)H(6), 12.3C(7)H(8), 13.6C(7)H(8), and 15.4C(7)H(8) were determined. Compounds 7 and 9-11 are soluble in benzene/toluene and could be well characterized by NMR spectroscopy and MS (EI) spectrometry. The results demonstrate the facile substitution of the hydridic hydrogen atoms in 5 and 6 by the halides with different reagents.

Metal-Induced Coordination Inversion and Carbon−Nitrogen Bond Rearrangement. Structurally Characterized Phenyl Isocyanate Inserted into Aluminum Methyl Compounds and O- and N-Bound Aluminum Compounds

[C(4)H(3)N(CH(2)NMe(2))-2]AlMe(2) (1) is prepared in 88% yield by the reaction of substituted pyrrole [C(4)H(4)N(CH(2)NMe(2))-2] with 1 equiv of AlMe(3) in methylene chloride. Reaction of compound 1 with 1 equiv of phenyl isocyanate in toluene generates a seven-membered cycloaluminum compound [C(4)H(3)N[CH(2)NPh(CONMe(2))]-2] AlMe(2) (2). The phenyl isocyanate was inserted into the aluminum and dimethylamino nitrogen bond and induced an unusual rearrangement which results in C-N bond breaking and formation. A control experiment shows that the reaction of substituted pyrrole [C(4)H(4)N(CH(2)NMe(2))-2] with 1 equiv of phenyl isocyanate in diethyl ether yields a pyrrolyl attached urea derivative [C(4)H(3)N(CH(2)NMe(2))-2-[C(=O)NHPh]-1] (3). The demethanation reaction of AlMe(3) with 1 equiv of 3 in methylene chloride at 0 degrees C afforded O-bounded and N-bounded aluminum dimethyl compounds [C(4)H(3)N(CH(2)NMe(2))-2-[C(=O)NPh]-1]AlMe(2) (4a) and [C(4)H(3)N(CH(2)NMe(2))-2-[CO(=NPh)]-1]AlMe(2) (4b) in a total 78% yield after recrystallization. Both 4a and 4b are observed in (1)H NMR spectra; however, the relative ratio of 4a and 4b depends on the solvent used. Two equivalents of AlMe(3) was reacted with 3 in methylene chloride to yield a dinuclear aluminum compound AlMe(3)[C(4)H(3)N(CH(2)NMe(2))-2-[C(=O)NPh]-1] AlMe(2) (5). Reaction of 5 with another equivalent of ligand 3 results in the re-formation of compounds 4a and 4b.

Reactions of AlH(3) x NMe(3) with nitriles: structural characterization and substitution reactions of hexameric aluminum imides

The reaction of AlH(3).NMe(3) with RCN proceeds with the evolution of trimethylamine and affords (HAINCH(2)R)(6) (R = Ph (1), p-MeC(6)H(4) (2), p-CF(3)C(6)H(4) (3)). Compounds 1 and 3 are characterized by single-crystal structural analysis. Compound 1 reacts with Me(3)SiBr as well as with PhC[triple bond]CH to give (XAINCH(2)Ph)(6) (X = Br (4), PhC[triple bond]C (5)). Structural data and other characterization data of compounds 4 and 5 show that all the hydridic hydrogen atoms in 1 have been replaced by bromine atoms and PhC[triple bond]C groups, respectively. Compounds 1-5 are potential precursors for the preparation of aluminum nitride. Crystals of 1 are rhombohedral, space group R3 macro, with a = 15.7457(13) A, b = 15.7457(13) A, c = 14.949(2) A, V = 3209.8(5) A(3), and Z = 3. Crystals of 3.(3)/(4)C(7)H(8) are triclinic, space group P1 macro, with a = 17.527(11) A, b = 18.894(12) A, c = 19.246(15) A, alpha = 96.11(7) degrees, beta = 102.23(4) degrees, gamma = 106.79(3) degrees, V = 5867(7) A(3), and Z = 4. Compound 4 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c, with a = 14.175(4) A, b = 16.678(5) A, c = 10.731(3) A, beta = 106.82(2) degrees, V = 2428.6(11) A(3), and Z = 2. Compound 5. C(7)H(8) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c, with a = 25.842(5) A, b = 15.443(3) A, c = 20.699(4) A, beta = 105.88(3) degrees, V = 7945(3) A(3), and Z = 4.