Complexes of benzene-1,2-diol Mannich bases. II - Novel aluminium(III) complexes

Benzene-1,2-diol readily forms complexes with aluminium(III) ions, under an hydrous conditions, to give a mixture of mononuclear and polynuclear entiti es. These complexes are anionic and require external counter ions to achiev e electrical neutrality. Mannich base derivatives of benzene-1,2-diol (that is 3-(dialkylaminomethyl) benzene-1,2-diols) form similar mononuclear and polynuclear complexes but these are self neutralizing (eliminating the need for external counter ions) and are best described as zwitterionic. These c omplexes exhibit significant differences in their ability to partition betw een an aqueous and organic phase using a range of organic solvents.