Unusual role of the aromatic solvent in single site Al(I) chemistry: insights from theory

TitleUnusual role of the aromatic solvent in single site Al(I) chemistry: insights from theory
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2017
AuthorsJain, S, Vanka, K
JournalChemistry - A European Journal
Volume23
Issue56
Pagination13957-13963
Date PublishedJUL
Type of ArticleArticle
AbstractThe single site activation of strong σ bonds (such as that of H-H, P-H and N-H) remains a significant challenge in main group chemistry, with only a few cases reported to date. In this regard, recent exciting experiments done with Al(I) complexes hold significance, because they, too, have been seen to activate a variety of strong σ bonds. Such chemistry is generally seen to occur in aromatic solvents. The current computational studies with density functional theory (DFT) reveal the interesting reason for this: it is seen that an explicit aromatic solvent molecule acts as a catalyst by converting the Al(I) complex to Al(III) during the process. Different cases of σ bond activation by Al(I) complexes have been investigated and the efficiency for the H-X (X=H, NHtBu, PPh2) bond activation in the presence of an explicit benzene solvent molecule has been seen to be orders of magnitude higher than in its absence. The current work therefore reveals the chemistry of Al(I) complexes to be richer and more complex than realized to date, and shows it to be dependent on metal-solvent cooperativity, the first known example of its kind in main group chemistry.
DOI10.1002/chem.201701642
Type of Journal (Indian or Foreign)Foreign
Impact Factor (IF)5.771
Divison category: 
Physical and Materials Chemistry

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