Aluminum's low cost and high abundance warrant its study in the search for efficient, fuel-forming reaction catalysts. Ligand-based reduction events allow for catalytic and electrocatalytic activity mediated at the redox-inert aluminum (III) center. Utilizing a trischelate ligand, bis(imino)pyridine (PhI2P), redox-active aluminum complexes have been characterized structurally and electrochemically including an unusual square planar Al(III) complex. The aluminum complex (PhI2P2-)Al(THF)Cl is an efficient hydrogen evolving electrocatalyst at -1.1 V vs. SCE, and the mechanism of this reaction will be described.

Molecular aluminum complexes as proton reduction catalysts

248th National Meeting (2014)

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