Catalysis by aluminum(III) complexes of non-innocent ligands

Abstract

Non-Innocent ligand complexes of aluminum are described in this Concept article, beginning with a discussion of their synthesis, and then structural and electronic characterization. The main focus concerns the ability of the ligands in these complexes to mediate proton transfer reactions. As examples, aluminum-ligand cooperation in the activation of polar bonds is described, as is the importance of hydrogen bonding to stabilization of a transition state for β-hydride abstraction. Taken together these reactions enable catalytic processes such as the dehydrogenation of formic acid.

Keywords: aluminum; bond activation; dehydrogenation reactions; main group chemistry; non-innocent ligands.