Preparation of Highly Reactive Aluminum and Reaction with Aryl Halides

Chemical Synthesis Using Highly Reactive Metals, First Edition. Reuben D. Rieke. 2017 John Wiley Sons, Inc. Published 2017 by John Wiley Sons, Inc. 

( )X Activated Al from AICI3 + M Condition to generate Al time, h (temp, °C) % Reaction temp., °C Solvent Reaction time Yield (%)  

The reactions of chloro-, bromo-, and iodobenzene with activated aluminum in organic solvents have been studied, and the results are summarized in Table 14.1. 

In conclusion, a highly reactive form of aluminum has been prepared. However, very little chemistry has been explored. It is apparent that many new and exciting reactions remain to be discovered with this new metal. 

The following procedure for carrying out these reactions is representative of the general technique. AICI3 (Baker 99.5%, 22 mmol) in 10% excess was placed in a 200 ml round-bottomed flask with a side arm equipped with a septum cap in a dry box, and then freshly distilled solvent (75 ml) was added followed by adding freshly cut potassium (2.34 g, 60 mmol) or Na (1.38 g, 60 mmol) into the flask under nitrogen. The mixture was heated to melt the alkali metal and then cooled down to room temperature and stirred either with a magnetic stirrer or 

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