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Diethylaluminium chloride, abbreviated DEAC, is an organoaluminium compound. Although often given the chemical formula (C2H5)2AlCl, it exists as a dimer, [(C2H5)2AlCl]2 It is a precursor to Ziegler-Natta catalysts employed for the production of polyolefins. The compound is also a Lewis acid, useful in organic synthesis. The compound is a colorless waxy solid, but is usually handled as a solution in hydrocarbon solvents. It is highly reactive, even pyrophoric.[2]

Structure and bonding

Compounds of the empirical formula AlR2Cl (R = alkyl, aryl) usually exist as dimers with the formula (R2Al)2(μ-Cl)2. The bridging ligands (indicated by "μ-") are halides, not the organic substituents. The aluminium adopts a tetrahedral geometry. Each Al(III) center follows the octet rule.[3][4] In contrast, triethylaluminium and trimethylaluminium feature bridging alkyl groups and these compounds violate the octet rule.

Production

Diethylaluminium chloride can be produced from ethylaluminium sesquichloride, (C2H5)3Al2Cl3, by reduction with sodium:[5]

2 (C2H5)3Al2Cl3 + 3 Na → 3 (C2H5)2AlCl + Al + 3 NaCl

It is also obtained from the reaction of triethylaluminium with hydrochloric acid:

(C2H5)3Al + HCl → (C2H5)2AlCl + C2H6

Reproportionation reactions can also be used:

2 (C2H5)3Al + AlCl3 → 3 (C2H5)2AlCl
(C2H5)3Al2Cl3 + (C2H5)3Al → 3 (C2H5)2AlCl

Uses

Diethylaluminium chloride and other organoaluminium compounds are used in combination with transition metal compounds as Ziegler–Natta catalysts for the polymerization of various alkenes.[6]

As a Lewis acid, diethylaluminium chloride also has uses in organic synthesis. For example, it is used to catalyze the Diels–Alder and ene reactions. Alternatively, it can react as a nucleophile or a proton scavenger.[2]

Safety

Diethylaluminium chloride is not only flammable but pyrophoric.

References

  • Hu, Y. J.; Jiang, H. L.; Wang, H. H., "Preparation of highly branched polyethylene with acenaphthenediimine nickel chloride/diethylaluminum chloride catalyst". Chinese Journal of Polymer Science 2006, 24 (5), 483–488.
  • Yao, Y. M.; Qi, G. Z.; Shen, Q.; Hu, J. Y.; Lin, Y. H., "Reactivity and structural characterization of divalent samarium aryloxide with diethylaluminum chloride". Chinese Science Bulletin 2003, 48 (20), 2164–2167.
  1. ^ a b c d John Rumble (June 18, 2018). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics (99th ed.). CRC Press. pp. 4–40. ISBN 978-1138561632.
  2. ^ a b Snider, Barry B. (2001). "Diethylaluminum Chloride". Encyclopedia of Reagents for Organic Synthesis. doi:10.1002/047084289X.rd165. ISBN 0-471-93623-5.
  3. ^ Brendhaugen, Kristen; Haaland, Arne; Novak, David P.; Østvold, Terje; Bjørseth, Alf; Powell, D. L. (1974). "The Molecular Structure of Dimethylaluminium Chloride Dimer, [(CH3)2AlCl]2 Redetermined by Gas Phase Electron Diffraction". Acta Chemica Scandinavica. 28a: 45–47. doi:10.3891/acta.chem.scand.28a-0045.
  4. ^ McMahon, C. Niamh; Francis, Julie A.; Barron, Andrew R. (1997). "Molecular Atructure of [(t Bu)2Al(μ-Cl)]2". Journal of Chemical Crystallography. 27 (3): 191–194. doi:10.1007/BF02575988. S2CID 195242291.
  5. ^ Krause, Michael J.; Orlandi, Frank; Saurage, Alfred T.; Zietz, Joseph R. (2000), "Aluminum Compounds, Organic", Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Weinheim, Germany: Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, pp. 592–593, doi:10.1002/14356007.a01_543, ISBN 978-3-527-30673-2
  6. ^ Fisch, A. G. (2000). "Ziegler–Natta Catalysts". Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. Wiley. pp. 1–22. doi:10.1002/0471238961.2609050703050303.a01.pub2. ISBN 978-0-471-48494-3. S2CID 213111515.

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