Organometallics, aggregate structures formation

Main-group organometallic compounds are versatile tools in organic synthesis, but their structures are complicated by the involvement of the multicenter, two-electron bonds and ion-dipole interactions that are involved in aggregate formation (5). Electron deficiency or Lewis acidity of the metallic center and nucleophilicity or basicity of the substituents are important considerations in synthesis. The complexity of the structures and interactions is, however, the origin of much of the unique behavior of these organometallic compounds. 

In the Friedel-Crafts realm, Lou and coworkers reported on the activity of Mg-phosphoric acid-based binary catalyst in the alkylation of free phenols via Michael addition of p,y-unsaturated a-ketoesters 25 [41], Despite the real structure of the binary organometallic catalytic species is still unknown, excellent levels of chemical and optical outcomes were achieved in the titled process (Scheme 5.24). To be mentioned that neither the BA nor MgF alone could promote the model reaction at any extents, proving the formation of a concertedly activated catalytic aggregate between the two acids. 

---