Carbon–chalcogen bond formation initiated by [Al(NONDipp)(E)]− anions containing Al–E{16} (E{16} = S,Se) multiple bonds

Multiply-bonded main group metal compounds are of interest as a new class of reactive species able to activate and functionalize a wide range of substrates. The aluminium sulfido compound KAl(NON^Dipp)(S)] (NON^Dipp = O(SiMe₂NDipp)₂]²⁻, Dipp = 2,6-ⁱPr₂C₆H₃), completing the series of Al(NON^Dipp)(E)]⁻ anions containing Al–E{16} multiple bonds (E{16} = O, S, Se, Te), was accessed via desulfurisation of KAl(NON^Dipp)(S₄)] using triphenylphosphane. The crystal structure showed a tetrameric aggregate joined by multiple K⋯S and K⋯π(arene) interactions that were disrupted by the addition of 2.2.2-cryptand to form the separated ion pair, K(2.2.2-crypt)]Al(NON^Dipp)(S)]. Analysis of the anion using density functional theory (DFT) confirmed multiple-bond character in the Al–S group. The reaction of the sulfido and selenido anions KAl(NON^Dipp)(E)] (E = S, Se) with CO₂ afforded KAl(NON^Dipp)(κ²E,O-EC{O}O)] containing the thio- and seleno-carbonate groups respectively, consistent with a 2 + 2]-cycloaddition reaction and C–E bond formation. An analogous cycloaddition reaction took place with benzophenone affording compounds containing the diphenylsulfido- and diphenylselenido-methanolate ligands, κ²E,O-EC{O}Ph₂]²⁻. In contrast, when KAl(NON^Dipp)(E)] (E = S, Se) was reacted with benzaldehyde, two equivalents of substrate were incorporated into the product accompanied by formation of a second C–E bond and complete cleavage of the Al–E{16} bonds. The products contained the hitherto unknown κ²O,O-thio- and κ²O,O-seleno-bis(phenylmethanolate) ligands, which were exclusively isolated as the cis-stereoisomers. The mechanisms of these cycloaddition reactions were investigated using DFT methods.

Reaction of Al–E (E = S, Se) multiple bonds with C O functionalities generates new C–E bonds.