Aluminum Alkoxide Fluorides Involved in the Sol–Gel Synthesis of Nanoscopic AlF3

Abstract

AbstractIn the search for intermediates during the sol–gel synthesis of nanoscopic AlF3, the fluorolysis of aluminum isopropoxide by HF in pyridine has been investigated. By varying the Al to HF ratio from 0.5 to 2, three aluminum alkoxide fluorides, Al3F(Py)(OiPr)8, Al7F10(μ4‐O)(OiPr)9(Py)3·1.34Py, and Al10F16(μ4‐O)2(OiPr)10(Py)4·4.17Py, were isolated and structurally characterized. The structures of these compounds are discussed as possible snapshots in the consecutive fluorolytic sol–gel formation of nanoscopic AlF3 and give deeper insight into the probable reaction pathway. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)