Deprotonation, insertion and isomerisation in the post-functionalisation of tris-pyridyl aluminates

Abstract

Post-functionalisation of the aluminate anion [EtAl(6-R-2-py)3]− (6-R-2-py = 6-R-2-pyridyl, R = Me or Br) can be accomplished via nucleophilic addition of the pyridyl groups to the electrophilic C[double bond, length as m-dash]O group of aldehydes (RCH[double bond, length as m-dash]O) or by deprotonation of carboxylic acids (RCO2H). NMR spectroscopic and crystallographic studies show how 6-Me-2-py groups can detect chirality and reveal a new aspect of isomerism.