Aluminum Isopropoxide (Triisopropoxyaluminum): High-Purity Precursor for Advanced Materials & Chemistry

The Versatile Organoaluminum Building Block for Precision Synthesis

In the realm of advanced materials and fine chemical synthesis, achieving molecular-level control over structure and purity is paramount. Aogochem Aluminum Isopropoxide [Al(OCH(CH₃)₂)₃] serves as a cornerstone precursor in this pursuit. This versatile organometallic compound, characterized by its three isopropoxy groups bonded to a central aluminum atom, bridges the gap between organic and inorganic chemistry. Its high reactivity, particularly through controlled hydrolysis and condensation reactions, makes it an indispensable starting material for the sol-gel synthesis of ultra-high-purity, nano-structured alumina and other metal oxides. Beyond materials science, it acts as a potent Lewis acid catalyst in classic organic transformations like the Meerwein-Ponndorf-Verley (MPV) reduction and Oppenauer oxidation, and serves as a key reagent in pharmaceutical and fragrance intermediate synthesis. Aogochem supplies Aluminum Isopropoxide in high-purity grades, offering researchers and industrial chemists a reliable, consistent foundation for developing next-generation ceramics, catalysts, and specialty chemicals with precise compositional and morphological control.

Technical Specifications & Key Properties

Our Aluminum Isopropoxide is produced and handled under stringent conditions to ensure quality and performance for sensitive applications.

Core Physical & Chemical Properties:

• Chemical Formula: Al(OCH(CH₃)₂)₃ | Al(OC₃H₇)₃

• CAS Number: 555-31-7

• Appearance: White to off-white crystalline solid or powder. It can also exist as a viscous liquid or aggregate depending on purity and storage conditions.

• Purity: Typically ≥ 98% (with higher grades available up to 99.9+% for electronic applications). Impurities like chloride, iron, and other metals are minimized.

• Molecular Weight: 204.25 g/mol

• Melting Point: ~118 °C (for pure, crystalline form). Often supplied as a sublimate or in a form suitable for easy handling.

• Density: ~1.035 g/cm³

• Solubility: Highly soluble in benzene, toluene, xylene, chloroform, and other organic solvents. Reacts vigorously with water and alcohols, undergoing hydrolysis and alcoholysis, respectively.

• Sensitivity: Moisture-sensitive and air-sensitive. Reacts exothermically with water to produce aluminum hydroxide/isopropoxide oligomers and eventually alumina, along with isopropanol.

• Key Chemical Behavior:

• Hydrolysis: The primary reaction for sol-gel processes: Al(O-i-Pr)₃ + H₂O → AlOOH/ Al(OH)₃ + i-PrOH. Controlled hydrolysis yields boehmite or pseudo-boehmite sols.

• Thermolysis: Decomposes upon heating to ultimately form high-purity aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃).

• Lewis Acidity: The aluminum center is electron-deficient, making it an effective catalyst.

Available Grades & Packaging:

• Standard Grade (≥98%): For general synthesis and catalysis.

• High-Purity Grade (≥99.9%): For electronic and advanced ceramic applications where trace metals are critical.

• Packaging: Supplied in sealed glass bottles, drums, or under inert gas in specialized containers to prevent degradation by atmospheric moisture.

Critical Applications Across Research & Industry

1. Sol-Gel Precursor for Advanced Alumina Materials (Primary Application):

• Use: As the preferred molecular precursor for the production of high-purity, nano-porous, and thin-film aluminas via the sol-gel route.

• Process: Controlled hydrolysis in an organic solvent yields a stable sol of aluminum oxyhydroxide (boehmite) nanoparticles. This sol can be cast, spun, or dip-coated to form gels, which upon drying and calcination yield γ-Al₂O₃ or α-Al₂O₃ with tailored porosity and microstructure.

• End Products: Transparent alumina ceramics, high-surface-area catalyst supports, protective ceramic coatings, nanofiltration membranes, and abrasive grain precursors.

2. Catalyst in Organic Synthesis:

• Use: As a Lewis acid catalyst in several name reactions.

• Meerwein-Ponndorf-Verley (MPV) Reduction: A selective method for reducing carbonyl compounds (aldehydes, ketones) to their corresponding alcohols using excess isopropanol as the hydrogen donor. Aluminum isopropoxide is the classic catalyst for this reaction.

• Oppenauer Oxidation: The reverse of the MPV reduction, used to oxidize secondary alcohols to ketones.

• Benefit: Offers good selectivity, especially for unsaturated carbonyls, and is often considered a milder alternative to metal hydride reagents in some contexts.

3. Intermediate in Pharmaceutical & Fragrance Chemistry:

• Use: As a reagent in the synthesis of complex molecules. Its ability to facilitate carbonyl reductions and transesterification reactions makes it valuable for constructing specific chiral or functional intermediates used in active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and perfumery chemicals.

4. Co-catalyst & Component in Ziegler-Natta and Organometallic Systems:

• Use: As an activator or modifier in some polymerization catalyst systems, contributing to the control of polymer stereochemistry and molecular weight.

5. Surface Modification & Coupling Agent:

• Use: To functionalize inorganic oxide surfaces (e.g., silica, other metal oxides) by forming Al-O-Si or Al-O-M bonds, thereby altering surface properties like hydrophobicity or reactivity.

Why Source Aluminum Isopropoxide from Aogochem?

• Controlled Purity for Consistent Results: Whether for catalysis or advanced ceramics, batch-to-batch consistency in purity and reactivity is crucial. Our quality control ensures predictable performance in your processes.

• Expertise in Handling Sensitive Organometallics: We understand the handling and storage requirements for air- and moisture-sensitive materials, and we package our product accordingly to ensure it arrives in optimal condition.

• Technical Support for Application Development: Our team can provide basic guidance on safe handling practices, standard hydrolysis procedures for sol-gel synthesis, and typical catalytic uses.

• Flexible Sourcing for R&D and Production: We cater to both laboratory-scale research needs and larger-scale industrial production requirements.

Handling, Storage & Safety Guidelines

CRITICAL: Aluminum Isopropoxide is moisture-sensitive, air-sensitive, and flammable.

• Handling: Must be handled under an inert atmosphere (argon or nitrogen) using standard Schlenk line or glovebox techniques to prevent hydrolysis and ensure safety.

• Storage: Store in a tightly sealed, moisture-proof container under an inert atmosphere, in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat and open flame.

• Reaction with Water: Reacts vigorously with water, releasing isopropanol and heat. This reaction is the basis of its utility but must be controlled carefully in a laboratory or plant setting.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always use appropriate PPE, including safety glasses, gloves, and a lab coat. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for complete information.

Unlock molecular precision in your materials and synthesis. Contact Aogochem's technical sales team to discuss your specific application, request a product specification sheet, or inquire about packaging options for Aluminum Isopropoxide.