A Discrete Five-Coordinated Cationic Aluminum Complex Supported by a Fluorinated Dialkoxy-Diimino Salen-like Ligand: Synthesis, Structure, and Use in Polymerization Catalysis

Methyl abstraction from a neutral aluminum complex stabilized by a salen-like fluorinated dialkoxide-diimino ligand yields the corresponding cationic species, which exists as a five-coordinate Et2O adduct in the solid state and in solution. This complex promotes the cationic polymerization of propylene oxide and p-methylstyrene at low temperatures.