Subvalent aluminum: versatile reagents for the generation of homo- and heterodiatomic Al-E linkages

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Holger Braunschweig
• Subject Area: Inorganic Molecular Chemistry - Synthesis and Characterisation
• Term: from 2020 to 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 450280494

The realization of main-group molecules with oxidations states lower than those commonly observed has become an essential element of modern chemistry. Their high potential in further applications, however, inspired an increasing number of chemists worldwide to overcome the inherent synthetic challenges involved. Despite recent advances, subvalent aluminum compounds are still underrepresented, notwithstanding their unique reactivity patterns. This proposal is based on our new access to monomeric CpAl(I) derivatives, and on our expertise in borylene chemistry, and involves (i) the full exploration of CpAl(I) chemistry, and (ii) the establishment of an unprecedented type of Al(I) molecules, i.e. doubly base-stabilized alumylenes.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants