ABSTRACT This work reports the synthesis, full characterization, and multifaceted reactivity of a highly reactive aluminum complex ( 2 ·Et 2 O) supported by a sterically hindered, redox‐active pincer ligand. Characterization by X‐ray crystallography and spectroscopic methods confirmed its molecular structure, while Gutmann–Beckett studies and calculated fluoride ion affinity quantified its significant Lewis acidity. The reactivity profile of 2 ·Et 2 O is remarkably diverse: it undergoes facile photoinduced species formation, activates the O─H bond via metal–ligand cooperative heterolytic cleavage, and engages in redox reactions with substrates such as Ph 3 CCl and PhSSPh. Most notably, 2 ·Et 2 O demonstrates distinct selectivity in activating the C─I bond of iodoalkanes. This process proceeds via a kinetically favored or cooperative pathway, leading to alkyl group transfer to the ligand, rather than the thermodynamically preferred σ‐bond oxidative addition at the aluminum center. This study highlights how the synergy between an Al(III) center and a non‐innocent pincer ligand can unlock unique reaction manifolds, expanding the potential of main‐group elements in stoichiometric bond activation.
He et al. (Tue,) studied this question.