333. Aluminum tert-Butoxide

Nomenclature

CAS number: 556-91-2
2-Methyl-2-propanol aluminum salt (3:1); tert-butyl alcohol aluminum salt; tris(2-methyl-2-propanolato)aluminum; aluminum tris(tert-butylate).
C12H27AlO3; mol wt 246.32.
C 58.51%, H 11.05%, Al 10.95%, O 19.49%.
Al[OC(CH3)3]3.

Description and references

Prepd from aluminum tert-butyl alcohol and mercuric chloride: Wayne, Adkins, Org. Synth. coll. vol. III, 48 (1955).

Properties

Powder; can be recryst from benzene. Sublimes at 180°. Pure compd does not melt or decomp upon heating up to 300° in a sealed tube, but traces of moisture or tert-butyl alc cause it to melt at 160-200°. Very sol in organic solvents; approx 9 g dissolves in 5 g ethyl propionate at 120°.

Use

Reagent for oxidation of alcohols to ketones; in dealcoholation of orthoesters.