title: Synthesis, Characterization, and Computational Analysis of the Dialanate Dianion, [H3Al-AlH3]2-: A Valence Isoelectronic Analogue of Ethane.
abstract: The first example of a well-defined binary, low-oxidation-state aluminum hydride species that is stable at ambient temperature, namely the dianion in [{(DepNacnac)Mg}2(μ-H)]2[H3Al-AlH3] (DepNacnac=[(DepNCMe)2CH]-, Dep=2,6-diethylphenyl), has been prepared via a magnesium(I) reduction of the alanate complex, (DepNacnac)Mg(μ-H)3AlH(NEt3). An X-ray crystallographic analysis has shown the compound to be a contact ion complex, which computational studies have revealed to be the source of the stability of the aluminum(II) dianion.
authors.affiliation: School of Chemistry, PO Box 23, Monash University, VIC, 3800, Australia.
authors.forename: Simon J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Bonyhady
authors.affiliation: Fachbereich Chemie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, 35032, Marburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Nicole
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Holzmann
authors.affiliation: Fachbereich Chemie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, 35032, Marburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Gernot
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Frenking
authors.affiliation: School of Chemistry, PO Box 23, Monash University, VIC, 3800, Australia.|Current address: EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, KY16 9ST, St Andrews, UK.
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Stasch
authors.affiliation: School of Chemistry, PO Box 23, Monash University, VIC, 3800, Australia.
authors.forename: Cameron
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Jones
keywords: DFT calculations; dialanate; hydride; magnesium(I); metal-metal bonding