AbstractThe synthesis, structural characterization, and catalytic application of two novel aluminum complexes, [κ3ENSe−{Ph2P(E)N−C6H4−SePh}AlMe2] [E=S (1) and Se (2)] supported by new pincer‐type phenylselenium‐phosphanamidinate chalcogenide ligands are described. The molecular structures of both complexes in their solid states reveal a distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometry around the Al(III) ion, involving monoanionic ligand {Ph2P(E)N−C6H4−SePh}− bonded to the AlMe2‐motif in a tridentate manner. Complex 1 was found to be an effective pre‐catalyst for the cyanosilyation of aldehydes and ketones with TMSCN under solvent‐free conditions. The reaction protocol is simple, efficient, and has a diverse substrate scope of aldehydes and ketones, showing superior functional group tolerance. The kinetic study revealed that ketone reduction proceeded with first‐order dependence on ketone concentrations, TMSCN, and catalyst 1.
Read full abstract