Alküülalumiiniumide

Alküülalumiiniumid are organoaluminum compounds with the general formula R3Al2X3, where R is an alkyl group and X is a halogen. They are also known as dialkylaluminum halides or dihalodialkyl dialuminums. These compounds are typically dimeric and feature bridging halogen atoms. The aluminum atoms are tetrahedrally coordinated.

Alküülalumiiniumid are important intermediates in the industrial production of other organoaluminum compounds, such as trialkylaluminums, which are widely used as catalysts in polymerization processes, particularly for the production of polyethylene and polypropylene. They also find application in organic synthesis as alkylating agents and reducing agents.

The synthesis of alküülalumiiniumid often involves the reaction of aluminum metal with alkyl halides in the presence of an initiator. For example, the reaction of aluminum powder with methyl chloride yields dimethylaluminum chloride, which then dimerizes to form the corresponding alküülalumiinium compound. These reactions are typically carried out under anhydrous conditions due to the sensitivity of organoaluminum compounds to moisture and oxygen.

Due to their reactivity, alküülalumiiniumid are pyrophoric, meaning they can ignite spontaneously upon exposure to air. Therefore, they must be handled with extreme care under an inert atmosphere, such as nitrogen or argon. They are also corrosive and can cause severe burns upon contact with skin. Safe handling and storage procedures are crucial when working with these substances.