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Synthesis
DOI: 10.1055/a-2669-5996
DOI: 10.1055/a-2669-5996
Short Review
Published as part of the Special Topic Dedicated to Prof. Paul Knochel
An Overview of the Direct Preparation of Organoaluminum Compounds
A part of the work reported in this review and conducted in our lab has been finance by ANR (TRIBAL and AluMeth grants).
Dedication
Dedicated to the 70th birthday of Prof. Paul Knochel.
Abstract
Organoaluminum compounds are a unique class of organometallics, valued for their strong Lewis acidity and distinctive reactivity. Since Ziegler’s pioneering work in the mid-20th century, they have become important in catalysis and polymer production, benefiting from aluminum’s abundance, low cost, and low toxicity. However, their use in organic synthesis remains limited due to the complexity of their preparation—typically involving transmetalation steps that often reduce their advantages. Coordinating solvents used in these steps can also suppress the compounds’ Lewis acidity. This review explores alternative, more direct methods of synthesizing organoaluminum compounds and highlights recent progress in this area.
Keywords
Organoaluminum reagents - Carboalumination - Hydroalumination - Metallation - C–H activation - Functional organometallicsPublication History
Received: 12 June 2025
Accepted after revision: 28 July 2025
Accepted Manuscript online:
29 July 2025
Article published online:
22 August 2025
© 2025. Thieme. All rights reserved.
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