The correlation of dative bond length and parameter n in adducts Me₃N—AlMe_3-nCl_n (n ≤ 3)

Abstract

Complexes of the general formula Me 3 N—AlMe 3-n Cl n (Me = CH 3 ; n =0, 1, 2, 3)1-4have been synthesized and structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy. The shape of the molecules is trigonal-antiprismatic with the nitrogen and aluminium atoms being tetrahedrally surrounded. The length of the dative bond N—Al is correlated with the parameter n due to inductive effects of the electronegative chlorine substituents, resulting in a difference in N—Al between 1 and 4 of 0.1Å (2.045, 2.010, 1.971, and 1.949Å). This shortening with increasing n, however, is not linear.