Reaction between cobalt(III) acetylacetonate and trimethylaluminium

The reaction between cobalt(III) acetylacetonate and trimethylaluminium at a molar ratio of Me₃Al/Co(acac)₃ of 1/1 has been investigated. When a benzene solution of trimethylaluminium was added to a benzene solution of cobalt (III) acetylacetonate, IR spectra and volumetric gas analysis show that the latter is reduced via stable cobalt(II) acetylacetonate to metallic cobalt. Aluminium(III) acetylacetonate was also formed. The gaseous produts of this reaction were methane, ethane, and ethylene. A reaction mechanism is suggested.