The CAS number 1779-25-5 corresponds to the chemical compound
Diisobutylaluminum chloride ,
Diisobutylaluminum Chloride (DIBAL) is a chemical compound with the formula (CH3)2CHCH2)2AlCl. It is a colorless liquid that is commonly used as a reducing agent in organic chemistry. DIBAL is primarily used to reduce esters to aldehydes, although it can also reduce other functional groups such as ketones, nitriles, and imines.
DIBAL is a strong reducing agent and reacts with esters by adding hydride ions to the carbonyl group. The reaction proceeds through an intermediate called an alkoxyaluminum species, which is then hydrolyzed to form the corresponding aldehyde. DIBAL is often preferred over other reducing agents, such as lithium aluminum hydride, because it is more selective and milder, meaning it can be used under milder reaction conditions.
In addition to its reducing properties, DIBAL can also act as a Lewis acid, meaning it can accept electron pairs from other molecules. This makes it useful in certain types of reactions, such as the formation of carbon-carbon bonds.
However, DIBAL is highly reactive and can be pyrophoric, meaning it can ignite spontaneously upon exposure to air. Therefore, it must be handled with extreme caution and under an inert atmosphere, such as nitrogen or argon. It is also important to store DIBAL in a cool, dry place away from any sources of ignition.
Overall, diisobutylaluminum chloride is an important reagent in organic synthesis due to its versatile reducing and Lewis acid properties.