organoaluminum

Organoaluminum compounds are chemical compounds that contain a carbon-aluminum bond. They are a class of organometallic compounds, meaning they involve a metal atom bonded to an organic group. The general formula for organoaluminum compounds is R3Al, where R represents an alkyl or aryl group. Trialkylaluminum compounds, such as trimethylaluminum (Al(CH3)3) and triethylaluminum (Al(C2H5)3), are among the most common and important organoaluminum compounds.

These compounds are highly reactive and are often pyrophoric, meaning they can ignite spontaneously in air. This reactivity stems from the electron deficiency of the aluminum atom, which readily accepts electron pairs. Due to their reactivity, organoaluminum compounds are typically handled under inert atmospheres, such as nitrogen or argon.

Organoaluminum compounds have significant industrial applications. They are widely used as co-catalysts in the Ziegler-Natta polymerization of olefins, a process essential for the production of polyethylene and polypropylene plastics. They also serve as reducing agents in organic synthesis and as precursors for the synthesis of other organometallic compounds. Furthermore, they find use in the production of semiconductors and in various specialty chemical applications. The synthesis of organoaluminum compounds often involves the reaction of aluminum metal with alkyl halides.