The chemistry and the stereochemistry of poly(N-alkyliminoalanes) : VI. A novel synthesis of poly(N-alkyliminoalanes) by reaction of alkali metal alanates with primary amines

A novel synthesis of poly(N-alkyliminoalanes) (PIA) is reported. This involves the reaction in hydrocarbon solvents of LiAlH₄ or NaAlH₄ with primary amines having a nitrogen with α- or β- secondary carbon atoms or with tertbutylamine. Complexes of iminoalanes with alkali metal hydrides are obtained from linear amines. The same reaction carried out in polar solvents always gives complexes of PIA with LiH or NaH and the solvent. This new synthesis is simpler and convenient for producing soluble and well characterized PIA, some of which are not obtainable by other methods.