SYNTHESES AND PROPERTIES OF A NEW-TYPE OF LEWIS-ACIDS INCORPORATING LINKED BISPHENOXIDE MOIETY

Several ligands for a new type of Lewis acid, which incorporates two l inked phenols, were synthesized and the reaction of these ligands with trimethylaluminum quantitatively gave Lewis acids. These Lewis acids were found to be an efficient promoter for the rearrangement of epoxid es to carbonyl compounds as well as a useful protector of acetophenone against hydride-reduction, The VT-NMR spectrum and NOESY spectrum of a 1:1 complex of Lewis acid 2a a,alpha'-diyl)bis(4,6-di-t-butylphenoxi do)aluminum and acetophenone provided data on the structure of a compl ex of acetophenone and 2a.