Alumiiniumetoksüüd

Alumiiniumetoksüüd, also known as aluminum ethoxide or aluminum triethoxide, is an organoaluminum compound with the chemical formula Al(OC2H5)3. It is a white solid that is soluble in ethanol and some other organic solvents. This compound is formed by the reaction of aluminum metal with ethanol in the presence of a catalyst or by reacting aluminum alkoxides with ethanol.

In organic synthesis, alumiiniumetoksüüd serves as a catalyst and a reagent. It is often used in transesterification reactions, where it facilitates the exchange of alkoxy groups in esters. It can also be employed as a source of aluminum in the preparation of other organoaluminum compounds or coordination complexes. Its Lewis acidic nature makes it effective in promoting various organic transformations.

Industrially, aluminum ethoxide has applications in the production of aluminum-containing materials and as a precursor for sol-gel processes. In sol-gel chemistry, it can be hydrolyzed and condensed to form aluminum oxide (alumina) networks, which are useful in the creation of ceramics, coatings, and catalysts. Its controlled hydrolysis allows for the formation of materials with specific porosities and microstructures. The compound is sensitive to moisture and air, and is typically handled under inert conditions.