Organoaluminum Compounds and Lewis Pairs

Abstract

This chapter is dedicated to bifunctional derivatives associating Al with P- or N-containing Lewis bases. The synthesis and structure of these Lewis pairs/ambiphilic derivatives are described (presence or not of P/N Al interactions). Both unimolecular and bimolecular compounds are considered. Their reactivity towards small molecules (CO2, alkene, alkynes, isocyanides, amine-boranes, BX3, hydrides, and so on) including catalytic transformations are then presented. The synthesis and reactivity of transition metal complexes deriving from Al/P ambiphilic ligands are also presented. Whenever possible, the Al-compounds are compared to their lighter B congeners. Keywords: σ-acceptor; activation; ambiphilic; aluminum; bifunctional; catalysis; frustrated Lewis pairs; M Al interactions; Lewis acids; ligands; phosphines; small molecules