Aluminium phenolate explained

Aluminium phenolate is the metalloorganic compound with the formula [Al(OC<sub>6</sub>H<sub>5</sub>)<sub>3</sub>]n. It is a white solid. 27Al NMR studies suggest that aluminium phenolate exists in benzene solution as a mixture of dimer and trimer.[1] The compound is can be prepared by the reaction of elemental aluminium with phenol:[2]

Al + 3 HOC6H5 → Al(OC6H5)3 + 1.5 H2The compound is used as a catalyst for the alkylation of phenols with various alkenes. For example, the ethylphenols are generated commercially by treating phenol with ethylene in the presence of a catalytic amount of aluminium phenolate.

Related compounds

References

  1. 10.1016/0022-2364(84)90048-9. 27Al NMR Behavior of Aluminum Alkoxides. 1984. Kříž. O.. Čásenský. B.. Lyčka. A.. Fusek. J.. Heřmánek. S.. Journal of Magnetic Resonance . 60. 3. 375–381. 1984JMagR..60..375K.
  2. 10.1021/jo01357a014. The ortho-Alkylation of Phenols. 1957. Kolka. Alfred J.. Napolitano. John P.. Filbey. Allen H.. Ecke. George G.. The Journal of Organic Chemistry. 22. 6. 644. The aluminum phenoxide catalyst was prepared by adding 4.5 g. ( formula wt.) of aluminum turnings in small amounts and with vigorous stirring to 300 g. of phenol at 165° under a nitrogen atmosphere..

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