Synthesis of NaAlRn(CH2Ph)4-n type alkylbenzyl aluminum complexes

1. In reactions of benzylsodium with R3Al in toluene, compounds NaAlR3(CH2Ph), where R=Me, Et, and i-Bu, have been obtained as individual entities. 2. Benzylsodium with AlCl3 in toluene gives sodium tetrabenzylaluminate. 3. It has been established by27Al NMR that in reaction of benzylsodium with R2AlCl in toluene a mixture of NaAlR2(CH2Ph)2, NaAl(CH2Ph)4 and NaAlR3(CH2Ph)(R=Me, Et, and i-Bu) is formed. A reaction of benzylsodium with EtAlCl2 gives a mixture of NaAl(CH2Ph)4 and NaAlEt2-(CH2Ph)2 (the tribenzyl complex NaAlR(CH2Ph)3 is not formed in this case).