Synthesis, structures and properties of hydrolytic Al(III) aggregates and Fe(III) analogues formed with iminodiacetate-based chelating ligands

Both Al(III) and Fe(III) display a rich hydrolytic chemistry which can lead to the formation of a variety of aggregated oxo and hydroxo-bridged aggregates. The formation, structures and properties of these species are important in defining the availability and reactivity of these species in aqueous environments such as are found in biological systems and the environment. Although there are many similarities in the behaviour of the Al³⁺ and Fe³⁺ ions there are also some important differences between these two metal ions which can lead to a divergence in their chemistries. These considerations are discussed and illustrated with reference to 16 Al(III) and Fe(III) compounds, which have been crystallographically characterised, and which form in aqueous environments in the presence of chelating ligands containing the iminodiacetate functionality.     

Substituted cyclopentadienylchromium(III) complexes containing neutral donor ligands. Synthesis, crystal structures and reactivity in ethylene polymerization

Lithium derivatives of substituted cyclopentadiene ligands reacted with CrCl₃(THF)₃ in THF solution to afford homodinuclear complexes of the type [{(η⁵-RCp)CrCl(μ-Cl) }₂] [R=SiMe₃ (1), CH₂C(Me)CH₂ (2)]. Complex 1 reacts with pyrazole (C₃H₄N₂) to yield the mononuclear half-sandwich complex [(η⁵-Me₃SiCp)CrCl₂(pyrazole)] (3). The similar complex [Cp*CrCl₂(pyrazole)] (4) was synthesised by reaction of [{Cp*CrCl(μ-Cl)}₂] with pyrazole. Complex 2 reacts with bidentate ligands to give binuclear complexes of the type [{(η⁵-CH₂C(Me)CH₂Cp)CrCl₂ }₂(μ-L-L)] [L-L=Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂ (5), trans-Ph₂P(O)CHCHP(O)Ph₂ (6)]. All complexes were structurally characterised by X-ray diffraction. After reaction with methylaluminoxane these complexes are active in the polymerization of ethylene. At 25 °C and 4 bar of ethylene, complex 3 yields polyethylene with a bimodal molecular weight distribution centred at 155,000 and 2000 g/mol. Complex 4 shows similar activity, yielding only the low molecular weight fraction. On the other hand, the binuclear complexes 5 and 6 under the same conditions were three times more active than mononuclear complexes. The melting point of the polymers indicates the formation of linear polyethylene.     

Aluminum(III), gallium(III), and indium(III) 4-hydroxyacridinato complexes

4-Hydroxyacridine (HAcr) is an O,N-chelating ligand whose coordination chemistry toward group 13 M(III) ions has received little attention. The molecular structure of HAcr consists of a 2,3-disubstituted-8-hydroxyquinoline; thus, in order to compare 8-hydroxyquinoline (HQ), 2-methyl-8-hydroxyquinoline (HMeQ′), and 2,3-disubstituted-8-hydroxyquinoline (HAcr) for steric and/or electronic influence, HAcr chelating ability toward the Al(III), Ga(III), and In(III) triad has been investigated. Irrespective of the nature of M(III), only complexes containing two equivalents of deprotonated HAcr are obtained. This article describes the synthesis and characterization of different series of bis-chelated pentacoordinated (Acr)₂MY (M = Al, Ga, In; Y = Cl, Br, I, NCS, N₃) or (Acr)₂MZ (M = Ga or In; HZ = C₆H₅OH, C₆H₁₃OC₆H₄OH, C₆H₅COOH, or C₆H₁₃OC₆H₄COOH) six-coordinate neutral (Acr)₂In(acac) (H(acac) =acetylacetone), or ionic [(Acr)₂In(N,N)][CF₃SO₃] (N,N = 2,2′-bipyridine or 1,10-phenanthroline) complexes. These results significantly contribute to elucidating the complexation capability of HAcr.     

Syntheses,structures, and spectroscopic properties of copper(II) and cobalt(III) complexes containing 1,4,7-tribenzyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane ligand

Three new complexes [CuL(N₃)₂] (1), [CuL(SCN)₂] (2), and [CoL(SCN)₃] (3) (L?=?1,4,7-tribenzyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane) have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Complex 1 crystallizes in monoclinic space group P2(1)/n with unit cell parameters a?=?14.105(7), b?=?8.999(5), c?=?21.603(11)?Å, β?=?100.470(7)°. While 2 crystallizes in triclinic space group P-1 with unit cell parameters a?=?9.6380(16), b?=?10.6993(18), c?=?15.798(3)?Å, α?=?106.636(3), γ?=?116.478(3)°. Complex 3 crystallizes in trigonal space group P–3c1 with unit cell parameters a?=?14.744(3), b?=?14.744(3), c?=?16.098(4)?Å, γ?=?120°. Elemental analysis, IR, UV-vis spectra of complexes 1–3 and ESR spectra of complexes 1–2 were also determined.     

Synthesis of Square‐Planar Aluminum(III) Complexes

The synthesis of two four‐coordinate and square planar (SP) complexes of aluminum(III) is presented. Reaction of a phenyl‐substituted bis(imino)pyridine ligand that is reduced by two electrons, Na₂(^PhI₂P^2?), with AlCl₃ afforded five‐coordinate [(^PhI₂P^2?)Al(THF)Cl] ( 1 ). Square‐planar [(^PhI₂P^2?)AlCl] ( 2 ) was obtained by performing the same reaction in diethyl ether followed by lyphilization of 2 from benzene. The four‐coordinate geometry index for 2 , τ₄, is 0.22, where 0 would be a perfectly square‐planar molecule. The analogous aluminum hydride complex, [(^PhI₂P^2?)AlH] ( 3 ), is also square‐planar, and was characterized crystallographically and has τ₄=0.13. Both 2 and 3 are Lewis acidic and bind 2,6‐lutidine.     

Mono and dinuclear arene ruthenium complexes containing 6,7-dimethyl-2,3-di(pyridine-2-yl)quinoxaline as chelating ligand: Synthesis and molecular structure

The mononuclear cations of the general formula [(η⁶-arene)RuCl(dpqMe₂)]⁺ (dpqMe₂ = 6,7-dimethyl-2,3-di(pyridine-2-yl)quinoxaline; arene = C₆H₆, 1; C₆H₅Me, 2; p-PrⁱC₆H₄Me, 3; C₆Me₆, 4) as well as the dinuclear dications [(η⁶-arene)₂Ru₂Cl₂(μ-dpqMe₂)]²⁺ (arene = C₆H₆, 5; C₆H₅Me, 6; p-PrⁱC₆H₄Me, 7; C₆Me₆, 8) have been synthesised from 6,7-dimethyl-2,3-di(pyridine-2-yl)quinoxaline (dpqMe₂) and the corresponding chloro complexes [(η⁶-C₆H₆)Ru(μ-Cl)Cl]₂, [(η⁶-C₆H₅Me)Ru(μ-Cl)Cl]₂, [(η⁶-p-PrⁱC₆H₄Me)Ru(μ-Cl)Cl]₂ and [(η⁶-C₆Me₆)Ru(μ-Cl)Cl]₂, respectively. The X-ray crystal structure analyses of [1][PF₆], [3][PF₆] and [6][PF₆]₂ reveal a typical piano-stool geometry around the metal centre; in the dinuclear complexes the two chloro ligands, with respect to each other, are found to be trans oriented.     

Modification of bidentate bis(N-heterocyclic imine) ligands for low-valent main group complexes

The synthesis of modified neutral bis-NHI (NHI is N-heterocyclic imine) ligands and their application for the stabilization of tetryliumylidenes are reported. The ligands’ scaffolding consists of either saturated or methylated imidazoline backbones, and the bridge alternated from flexible ethylene to more rigid o-phenylene. Transmetalation reactivity of the cationic Sn^II compounds was tested towards LiAlH₄ and IDipp→SiCl₂ [IDipp is 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropyl- phenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene] affording the respective aluminium and silicon complexes.     

Square-planar iridium(II) and iridium(III) amido complexes stabilized by a PNP pincer ligand

Squaring the circle: the novel dienamido pincer ligand N(CHCHPtBu(2))(2)(-) affords the isolation of the unusual square-planar iridium(II) and iridium(III) amido complexes [IrCl{N(CHCHPtBu(2))(2)}](n) (n=0 (1), +1 (2)). In contrast, the corresponding iridium(I) complex of the redox series (n=-1) is surprisingly unstable. The diamagnetism of 2 is attributed to strong N→Ir π donation.     

Neutral and cationic alkylmanganese(II) complexes containing 2,6-bisiminopyridine ligands

Manganese alkyl complexes stabilised by 2,6-bis(N,N'-2,6-diisopropyl-phenyl)acetaldiminopyridine ((iPr)BIP) have been selectively prepared by reacting suitable alkylmanganese(II) precursors, such as homoleptic dialkyls [(MnR(2))(n)] or the corresponding THF adducts [{MnR(2)(thf)}(2)] with the mentioned ligand. For R=CH(2)CMe(2)Ph or CH(2)Ph, formally Mn(I) derivatives are produced, in which one of the two R groups migrates to the 4-position of the central pyridine ring in the (iPr)BIP ligand. In contrast, a true dialkyl complex [MnR(2)((iPr)BIP)] can be isolated for R=CH(2)SiMe(3). In solution, this compound slowly evolves to the corresponding Mn(I) monoalkyl derivative. A detailed study of this reaction provides insights on its mechanism, showing that it proceeds through successive alkyl migrations, followed by spontaneous dehydrogenation. Protonation of [Mn(CH(2)SiMe(3))(2)((iPr)BIP)] with the pyridinium salt [H(Py)(2)][BAr'(4)] (Ar'=3,5-C(6)H(3)(CF(3))(2)) leads to the cationic species [Mn(CH(2)SiMe(3))(Py)((iPr)BIP)](+). Alternatively, the same complex can be produced by reaction of the pyridine complex [{Mn(CH(2)SiMe(3))(2)(Py)}(2)] with the protonated ligand salt [H(iPr)BIP](+)[BAr'(4)](-). This last reaction allows the synthesis of analogous cationic alkylmanganese(II) derivatives, when precursors of type [MnR(2)((iPr)BIP)] are not available. Treatment of these neutral and cationic (iPr)BIP alkylmanganese derivatives with a range of typical co-catalysts (modified methylaluminoxane (MMAO), B(C(6)F(5))(3), trimethyl or triisobutylaluminum) does not lead to active ethylene polymerisation catalysts.     

Syntheses and structural studies of mononuclear arene ruthenium complexes with nitrogen-based chelating ligands

Dinuclear arene ruthenium complexes [(η⁶-arene)Ru(μ-Cl)Cl]₂ (arene?=?C₆H₆; p ⁱPrC₆H₄Me; C₆Me₆) and monomeric cyclopentadienyl complexes [(η⁵-Cp)Ru(PPh₃)₂Cl] (Cp?=?cyclopentadienyl) react with polypyridyl nitrogen ligands L¹ (3-(pyridin-2-yl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole) and L² (1,3-bis(di-2-pyridylaminomethyl)benzene) in methanol to afford cationic mononuclear compounds [(η⁶-arene)Ru(L¹)Cl]⁺ (arene?=?C₆H₆, 1; p ⁱPrC₆H₄Me, 2; C₆Me₆, 3), [(η⁶arene)Ru(L²)Cl]⁺ (arene?=?C₆H₆, 4; p ⁱPrC₆H₄Me, 5; C₆Me₆, 6), [(η⁵-Cp)Ru(L¹)(PPh₃)]⁺ (7), and [(η⁵Cp)Ru(L²)(PPh₃)]⁺ (8). All cationic mononuclear compounds were isolated as their hexafluorophosphate salts and characterized by elemental analyses, NMR, and IR spectroscopic methods and some representative complexes by UV-Vis spectroscopy. The solid state structures of two derivatives, [6]PF₆ and [7]PF₆, have been determined by the X-ray structure analysis.     

N- versus P-coordination in bis(amino)cyclodiphosph(III)azane complexes of aluminum

The reaction of the bis(amino)cyclodiphosph(III)azane, cis-{(tBuNH)(2)(PNtBu)(2)}, with AlMe(3), AlClMe(2), AlCl(2)Me, and AlCl(3) is reported. The less Lewis acidic compound AlMe(3) forms the adduct cis-[(tBuNH)(2)(PNtBu){P.(AlMe(3))NtBu}] (1), in which the aluminum atom is exclusively coordinated to one phosphorus atom. At elevated temperatures AlMe(3) undergoes migratory exchange between the two phosphorus atoms, but no methane elimination is observed. By using the more Lewis acidic compound AlClMe(2) the P-coordinated compound cis-[(tBuNH)(2)(PNtBu){P(AlClMe(2))NtBu}] (2) can be obtained at low temperatures. Compound 2 rearranges irreversibly to a product in which the AlClMe(2) group is coordinated by one exo-cyclic nitrogen atom. A concomitant 1,2-H shift from this nitrogen atom onto the phosphorus atom is observed. The N-coordinated rearrangement product slowly decomposes via a P-N bond cleavage in solution. Reaction of the even more Lewis acidic compounds AlCl(2)Me and AlCl(3) finally led to stable adducts, cis-[(tBuNH)(PNtBu)(tBuNAlCl(2)Me){P(H)NtBu}] (3), and cis-[(tBuNH)(PNtBu)(tBuNAlCl(3)){P(H)NtBu}] (4), in which the aluminum atoms are N-coordinated by a tBuN=PH unit.     

Iridium(III) and rhodium(III) cyclometalated complexes containing sulfur and selenium donor ligands

Treatment of [M(Buppy)₂Cl]₂ (M=Ir (1), Rh (2); BuppyH=2-(4^′-tert-butylphenyl)pyridine) with Na(Et₂NCS₂), K[S₂P(OMe)₂], and K[N(Ph₂PS)₂]₂ afforded monomeric [Ir(Buppy)₂(S^∧S)] (S^∧S=Et₂NCS₂ (3), S₂P(OMe)₂ (4), N(PPh₂S)₂ (5)) and [Rh(Buppy)₂(S^∧S)] (S^∧S=Et₂NCS₂ (6), S₂P(OMe)₂ (7), N(PPh₂S)₂ (8)), respectively. Reaction of 1 with Na[N(PPh₂Se)₂] gave [Ir(Buppy)₂{N(PPh₂Se)₂}] (9). The crystal structures of 3, 4, 7, and 8 have been determined. Treatment of 1 or 2 with AgOTf (OTf=triflate) followed by reaction with KSCN gave dinuclear [{M(Buppy)₂}₂(μ-SCN)₂] (M=Ir (10), Rh (11)), in which the SCN⁻ ligands bind to the two metal centers in a μ-S,N fashion. Interaction of 1 and 2 with [Et₄N]₂[WQ₄] gave trinuclear heterometallic complexes [{Ir(Buppy)₂}₂(μ-WQ₄)] (Q=S (12), Se (13)) and [{Rh(Buppy)₂}₂{(μ-WQ)₄}] (Q=S (14), Se (15)), respectively. Hydrolysis of 12 led to formation of [{Ir(Buppy)₂}₂{W(O)(μ-S)₂(μ₃-S)}] (16) that has been characterized by X-ray diffraction.     

Half-sandwich bis(tetramethylaluminate) complexes of the rare-earth metals: synthesis, structural chemistry, and performance in isoprene polymerization

The protonolysis reaction of [Ln(AlMe(4))(3)] with various substituted cyclopentadienyl derivatives HCp(R) gives access to a series of half-sandwich complexes [Ln(AlMe(4))(2)(Cp(R))]. Whereas bis(tetramethylaluminate) complexes with [1,3-(Me(3)Si)(2)C(5)H(3)] and [C(5)Me(4)SiMe(3)] ancillary ligands form easily at ambient temperature for the entire Ln(III) cation size range (Ln=Lu, Y, Sm, Nd, La), exchange with the less reactive [1,2,4-(Me(3)C)(3)C(5)H(3)] was only obtained at elevated temperatures and for the larger metal centers Sm, Nd, and La. X-ray structure analyses of seven representative complexes of the type [Ln(AlMe(4))(2)(Cp(R))] reveal a similar distinct [AlMe(4)] coordination (one eta(2), one bent eta(2)). Treatment with Me(2)AlCl leads to [AlMe(4)] --> [Cl] exchange and, depending on the Al/Ln ratio and the Cp(R) ligand, varying amounts of partially and fully exchanged products [{Ln(AlMe(4))(mu-Cl)(Cp(R))}(2)] and [{Ln(mu-Cl)(2)(Cp(R))}(n)], respectively, have been identified. Complexes [{Y(AlMe(4))(mu-Cl)(C(5)Me(4)SiMe(3))}(2)] and [{Nd(AlMe(4))(mu-Cl){1,2,4-(Me(3)C)(3)C(5)H(2)}}(2)] have been characterized by X-ray structure analysis. All of the chlorinated half-sandwich complexes are inactive in isoprene polymerization. However, activation of the complexes [Ln(AlMe(4))(2)(Cp(R))] with boron-containing cocatalysts, such as [Ph(3)C][B(C(6)F(5))(4)], [PhNMe(2)H][B(C(6)F(5))(4)], or B(C(6)F(5))(3), produces initiators for the fabrication of trans-1,4-polyisoprene. The choice of rare-earth metal cation size, Cp(R) ancillary ligand, and type of boron cocatalyst crucially affects the polymerization performance, including activity, catalyst efficiency, living character, and polymer stereoregularity. The highest stereoselectivities were observed for the precatalyst/cocatalyst systems [La(AlMe(4))(2)(C(5)Me(4)SiMe(3))]/B(C(6)F(5))(3) (trans-1,4 content: 95.6 %, M(w)/M(n)=1.26) and [La(AlMe(4))(2)(C(5)Me(5))]/B(C(6)F(5))(3) (trans-1,4 content: 99.5 %, M(w)/M(n)=1.18).     

New alkyl-cobalt(III) complexes containing chiral centers in the chelating system

The complex mer-[Co(III)(L(1)Npy)(2)](+) (1') where the L(1)Npy(-) is the tridentate 3-[(2-pyridyl)methylimino]butan-2-one oximate ligand, gives alkyl-cobalt derivatives after reduction with NaBH(4)/Pd(2+) to the Co(I) and alkylation. The formation of the cobalt-carbon bond is accompanied by the reduction to the amino form of one or both imino ligands (depending on the experimental conditions) initially present in 1'. In one series of experiments, complexes of the type fac-[RCo(III)(L(1)Npy)(H-L(1)NHpy)](+) (R = Me, i-Pr, CH(2)Cl, CH(2)Br, CH(2)CF(3), and Bz) were obtained, in which only one of the two ligands was reduced to the amino form (H-L(1)NHpy). The saturation of one azomethine group causes the products to assume a fac configuration and induces the formation of one asymmetric carbon and one asymmetric nitrogen center in the chelating system. When an excess of reducing agent is used, both azomethine groups may be saturated, causing the introduction of one pair of chiral carbons and one pair of chiral nitrogens. Two isomers of the methyl derivative [MeCo(III)(L(1)NHpy)(H-L(1)NHpy)](+) were isolated. The X-ray analysis reveals that these isomers differ from one another in configuration of the C and N chiral centers. Possible reaction mechanisms leading to these different types of complexes are proposed.     

Chromium(III) complexes with terdentate 2,6-bis(azolylmethyl)pyridine ligands: Synthesis, structures and ethylene polymerization behavior

Reactions of 2,6-bis(bromomethyl)pyridine with 3,5-dimethylpyrazole and 1H-indazole yield the terdentate ligands 2,6-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine (5) and 2,6-bis(indazol-2-ylmethyl)pyridine (6). The molecular structure of the new compound 6 was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. These ligands react with the CrCl₃(THF)₃ complex in THF to form neutral complexes of general formula [CrCl₃{2,6-bis(azolylmethyl)pyridine-N,N,N}] (7, 8) which are isolated in high yields as stable green solids and characterized by means of elemental analysis, magnetic moments, IR, and mass spectroscopy. Theoretical calculations predict that the thermodynamically preferred structure of the complexes is the fac configuration. After reaction with methylaluminoxane (MAO) the chromium(III) complexes are active in the polymerization of ethylene.     

New o-methoxyphenylcyclopentadienylchromium (III) complexes: Synthesis, structures and catalytic properties for ethylene polymerization

Two new ligands 1-(2-methoxyphenyl)-3,4-diphenylcyclopentadiene (1) and 1-(2-methoxyphenyl)-2,3,4,5-tetramethylcyclopentadiene (2), as well as their corresponding cyclopentadienylchromium complexes η⁵-1-(2-methoxyphenyl)-3,4-diphenylcyclopentadienyl chromium dichloride (3) and η⁵-1-(2-methoxyphenyl)-2,3,4,5-tetramethylcyclopentadienyl chromium dichloride (4) were synthesized and characterized. Molecular structures of 3 and 4 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complexes 3 and 4 were tested as catalyst precursors for ethylene polymerization. When activated with Al(ⁱBu)₃ and , complex 3 shows reasonable catalytic activity while 4 exhibits high catalytic activity for ethylene polymerization. The effects of temperature and Al/Cr ratio on the catalytic activity were studied. The molecular weight and melting temperature of the produced polyethylenes were determined.     

Oxidation by oxygen and sulfur of Tin(IV) derivatives containing a redox-active o-amidophenolate ligand

Oxidation of tin(IV) o-amidophenolate complexes [Sn(ap)Ph(2)] (1) and [Sn(ap)Et(2)(thf)] (2) (ap=dianion of 4,6-di-tert-butyl-N-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-o-iminobenzoquinone (ImQ)) with molecular oxygen and sulfur in toluene solutions was investigated. The reaction of oxygen with 1 at room temperature forms a paramagnetic derivative [Sn(isq)(2)Ph(2)] (3) (isq=radical anion of ImQ) and diphenyltin(IV) oxide [{Ph(2)SnO}(n)]. Interaction of 1 with sulfur gives another monophenyl-substituted paramagnetic tin(IV) complex, [Sn(ap)(isq)Ph] (4), and the sulfide, [Ph(3)Sn](2)S. The oxidation of 2 with oxygen and with sulfur proceeds through the derivative [Sn(isq)(2)Et(2)] (7), which undergoes alkyl elimination to give two new tin(IV) compounds, [Sn(ap)(isq)Et] (5) and [Sn(ap)(EtImQ)Et] (6) (EtImQ=2,4-di-tert-butyl-6-(2,6-diisopropylphenylimino)-3-ethylcyclohexa-1,4-dienolate ligand), respectively, along with the corresponding alkyltin(IV) oxide and sulfide. Complexes 3-5 and 7 were studied by EPR spectroscopy. The structures of 3, 4 and 6 were investigated by X-ray analysis.     

Mononuclear ruthenium(III) complexes containing chelating thiosemicarbazones: Synthesis,characterization and catalytic property

Mononuclear ruthenium(III) complexes of the type [RuX(EPh₃)₂(L)] (E = P or As; X = Cl or Br; L = dibasic terdentate dehydroacetic acid thiosemicarbazones) have been synthesized from the reaction of thiosemicarbazone ligands with ruthenium(III) precursors, [RuX₃(EPh₃)₃] (where E = P, X = Cl; E = As, X = Cl or Br) and [RuBr₃(PPh₃)₂(CH₃OH)] in benzene. The compositions of the complexes have been established by elemental analysis, magnetic susceptibility measurement, FT-IR, UV–vis and EPR spectral data. These complexes are paramagnetic and show intense d–d and charge transfer transitions in dichloromethane. The complexes show rhombic EPR spectra at LNT which are typical of low-spin distorted octahedral ruthenium(III) species. All the complexes are redox active and display an irreversible metal centered redox processes. Complex [RuCl(PPh₃)₂(DHA–PTSC)] (5) was used as catalyst for transfer hydrogenation of ketones in the presence of isopropanol/KOH and was found to be the active species.     

Aluminum alkyls with intramolecularly coordinated oxygen

Organoaluminum alkyls L¹AlMe₂ ( 1 ), L²AlMe₂ ( 2 ) and L²AlⁱBu₂ ( 3 ) with O,C,O‐chelating ligands L¹ and L² [L¹ = 2, 6‐(MeOCH₂)₂C₆H₃ and L² = 2, 6‐(^tBuOCH₂)₂C₆H₃] were prepared. The compounds have been characterized by elemental analysis, ¹H, ¹³C, ²⁷Al NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction analysis ( 3 ). Solution NMR studies indicated the four coordinated aluminum atom and dissociation/association dynamic process in solution of 1 – 3 . The X‐ray diffraction analysis of 3 showed that the aluminum atom is [4 + 1] coordinated with the trans‐trigonal bipyramidal geometry. The reactivity of 2 was investigated. Reactions of 2 with MeOH and I₂ resulted in aluminum alkoxide [L²Al(OMe)₂ ( 4 )] and iodides [L²AlI₂· THF ( 5 ) and L²AlI₂ ( 6 )], respectively, characterized by elemental analysis, IR and ¹H, ¹³C and ²⁷Al NMR spectroscopy. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.