Bidentate N, O-aluminum complexes: Synthesis, characterization and catalytic study for MPV reduction reactions

Treatment of AlMe3 with bidentate N, O-ligands, HOC(Me)(Ph)C6H4–NMe2-2 (L1H) or HOC(CH2)5C6H4–NMe2-2 (L2H) in different molar ratios, four novel aluminum complexes (1), (2), (3) and (4) were obtained in good yield. Complexes 1–4 were characterized by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, elemental analyses and single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. Each of the complexes 1, 2, 3 and 4 was tested for the capable of catalyzed Meerwein–Ponndorf–Verley (MPV) reduction of ketones or aldehydes with low catalyst loadings under mild conditions and showed good to excellent catalytic activities.