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Topic: Reaction Mechanisms with Aluminum.  (Read 4467 times)

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Offline DannyBoi

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Reaction Mechanisms with Aluminum.
« on: February 25, 2011, 05:09:03 PM »
Hi,

I am trying to answer the reaction mechanisms for these reactants but I haven't seen them before in class. Are there clues which might help me out in solving the problems? I only see lone pair electrons on the oxygen in the first question and also the fluorines because I think Al can be neutral without fulfilling the octet rule, just like Boron. Would the oxygen attack the Al or is it completely different mechanism? Thanks :)

Offline MissPhosgene

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Re: Reaction Mechanisms with Aluminum.
« Reply #1 on: February 25, 2011, 05:33:38 PM »
You seem to be on the right track.

For the first one, you form an AlF3 * OMe2 complex.

For the second one, what's the base and what is the acid?
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Offline DannyBoi

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Re: Reaction Mechanisms with Aluminum.
« Reply #2 on: February 25, 2011, 07:08:23 PM »
Hi MissPhosgene!

So for the first one I had originally drawn an awkward looking product but this is what I have as the answer:


Is this the best and correct way to draw it? :)
« Last Edit: February 25, 2011, 07:37:41 PM by DannyBoi »

Offline contra

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Re: Reaction Mechanisms with Aluminum.
« Reply #3 on: February 25, 2011, 07:15:54 PM »
If it's the correct product (which I'm unsure of), the oxygen should be labeled as positive*. Since it has three bonds to it.

Offline DannyBoi

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Re: Reaction Mechanisms with Aluminum.
« Reply #4 on: February 25, 2011, 07:38:01 PM »
Yes you're right, I have revised it. Thanks

This would be my second answer:


Offline MissPhosgene

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Re: Reaction Mechanisms with Aluminum.
« Reply #5 on: February 25, 2011, 08:48:25 PM »
Hello

  Looks good!

People usually represent lewis acid complexes as (using your example): AlF3 dot OMe2. Can't do it right because I don't know how to make a dot.
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Offline DannyBoi

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Re: Reaction Mechanisms with Aluminum.
« Reply #6 on: February 25, 2011, 09:04:15 PM »
Oh I think I've seen such a thing! Thanks :)

Offline orgopete

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Re: Reaction Mechanisms with Aluminum.
« Reply #7 on: February 27, 2011, 11:28:28 PM »
The aluminum should have a negative charge on it also. Two neutrals should yield a net neutral charge.
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