Generalized preparation method and characterization of aluminum isopropoxide, aluminum phenoxide, and aluminum n-hexyloxide

We report an optimized synthesis of aluminum n-hexyloxide (AH), aluminum phenoxide (APh) and aluminum isopropoxide (AIP) with high yields. Aluminum alkoxides, among other applications, are important starting materials to produce high surface area alumina catalyst supports for catalytic applications, such as hydrocracking and supported Fischer–Tropsch catalysts (FT). One mole of aluminum was reacted with excess alcohol in the presence of 0.001 mole mercuric chloride catalyst. All solid alkoxides were obtained in high yields (90–95%) and analyzed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR and 27Al NMR, X-ray diffraction (XRD), ICP-MS and elemental analysis. Aluminum n-hexyloxide was synthesized and characterized for the first time. Results indicate that fresh AH, APh, and AIP have the same coordination number of aluminum, but AIP changes as it ages.

Graphical abstractAluminum, alcohol and HgCl2 have been employed in the synthesis of aluminum n-hexyloxide (AH), aluminum phenoxide (APh) and aluminum isopropoxide (AIP) with high yields and purity.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide