Synthesis and structure of aluminum 2,2′-oxobis(phenolate)s

► 2,2′-Oxobis(phenol) reacts with tBu3Al and Ph3Al yielding compounds [RAl(OC6H4OC6H4O)]2 [R = tBu (1), R = Ph (2)]. ► 2,2′-Oxobis(phenolate) dianion acts as OOO-tridentate ligand. ► The compounds contain two 2,2′-oxobis(phenolate) ligands and two five-coordinate Al atoms in molecules.