Synthesis and Reactivity of Mixed Dimethylalkynylaluminum Reagents

Organoaluminum derivatives are mostly appreciated for their Lewis acidity properties, but generally not considered as reagents of choice in synthetic transformations involving the creation of C–C bonds. Among these species, dimethylalkynylaluminum reagents represent a special class of compounds, with, in many cases, unique reactivity. This review summarizes the preparation and reactivity of these organometallic reagents with a focus on their synthetic potential. 1 Introduction 2 Preparation of Dimethylalkynylaluminum Reagents 3 Reactivity of Dimethylalkynylaluminum Reagents 3.1 Reactions with Csp 3 Electrophiles 3.2 Reactions with Csp 2 Electrophiles 4 Transition-Metal-Catalyzed Reactions 4.1 Addition to α,β-Unsaturated Enones 4.2 Coupling Reactions 5 Triple Bond Reactivity 6 Conclusion