Bidentate N, O-aluminum complexes: Synthesis, characterization and catalytic study for MPV reduction reactions

•Four bidentate N, O-aluminum complexes have been synthesized and characterized.•Those complexes as catalysts for the MPV reaction have been investigated.•Those complexes showed the higher activity and suited for a wide substrate scope.

Treatment of AlMe3 with bidentate N, O-ligands, HOC(Me)(Ph)C6H4–NMe2-2 (L1H) or HOC(CH2)5C6H4–NMe2-2 (L2H) in different molar ratios, four novel aluminum complexes (1), (2), (3) and (4) were obtained in good yield. Complexes 1–4 were characterized by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, elemental analyses and single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. Each of the complexes 1, 2, 3 and 4 was tested for the capable of catalyzed Meerwein–Ponndorf–Verley (MPV) reduction of ketones or aldehydes with low catalyst loadings under mild conditions and showed good to excellent catalytic activities.

Graphical abstractTreatment of AlMe3 with bidentate N, O-ligands, HOC(Me)(Ph)C6H4–NMe2-2 (L1H) or HOC(CH2)5C6H4–NMe2-2 (L2H) in different molar ratios, four novel aluminum complexes (1), (2), (3) and (4) were obtained in good yield. Complexes 1–4 were characterized by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, elemental analyses and single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. Each of the complexes 1, 2, 3 and 4 was tested for the capable of catalyzed Meerwein–Ponndorf–Verley (MPV) reduction of ketones or aldehydes with low catalyst loadings under mild conditions and showed good to excellent catalytic activities.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide