The First Structurally Characterized Monolithio Aluminum Amide Dimer

Herein is reported the first synthesis and structural characterization of a monolithio aluminum amide dimer:  [Me₂AlNLi(THF)₂Ph]₂. It is prepared by deprotonation of the corresponding neutral dimeric species [Me₂AlNHPh]₂ with tBuLi in THF in 78% yield. Characterization data include ¹H and ¹³C NMR, elemental analysis, and a single crystal X-ray analysis. The crystal structure demonstrates that the lithium atoms are still associated with the molecule. The spectroscopic and structural data indicate that there is not a significant degree of π bonding between the Al and N atoms.