Chemistry of aluminium(i)

Abstract

In this article, we discuss the synthesis of tetrameric and monomeric aluminium(I) compounds. These compounds are prepared by reduction of the respective Al–X (X = halide) bond containing precursor. The tetrameric aluminium(I) compounds are synthesized by using sterically bulky ligands whereas a stable monomeric aluminium(I) compound is obtained using a monovalent chelating ligand. Theoretical studies are carried out on the monomer to understand the Lewis basicity. The presence of a lone pair of electrons plays an important role in the preparation of aluminium containing heterocyclic compounds, main group–main group and transition metal–main group compounds having donor–acceptor bonds by carrying out reactions with unsaturated compounds and Lewis acids.