A Tetraorganyl-Alumaborane with An Al–B σ‑Bond and Two Adjacent Lewis-Acidic Centers

A tetraorganyl-alumaborane (3) that contains an Al–B
bond and twisted Al and B planes was synthesized and structurally
characterized. UV–vis absorption spectroscopy, electrochemical
measurement, and DFT calculations were employed to reveal the electronic
properties of 3. The reactivity of 3 toward
DMSO and CO was studied to demonstrate its deoxygenating abilities.
On the basis of the results of the DFT calculations, a detailed reaction
mechanism was developed, which highlighted the important role of the
distinct Lewis acidity of the group-13 elements Al and B in 3.