New heterometallic aluminium-alkali metal compounds have been prepared using Schiff bases with electron withdrawing substituents as ligands. The synthesis of these new species was achieved via the reaction of AlMe₃ with the freshly prepared alkali-metallated ligand. The derivatives formed were characterized by NMR in solution and by single crystal X-ray diffraction in the solid state. Aluminate derivatives with lithium and sodium were prepared and a clear influence of the alkali metal in the final outcome is observed. The presence of a Na···F interaction in the solid state has a stabilization effect and the species [NaAlMe₃L]₂ can de isolated for the first time, which was not possible when using Schiff bases without electron withdrawing substituents as ligands.
Keywords: Schiff bases; alkali metals; aluminium; heterometallic compounds.