Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Discovery and Synthesis Optimization of Isoreticular Al(III) Phosphonate-Based Metal-Organic Framework Compounds Using High-Throughput Methods
Published on: October 6, 2023
Sandwich complexes of the metalloaromatic eta(3)-Al3R3 ligand
Jose M Mercero1, Mario Piris, Jon M Matxain
1Kimika Fakultatea, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea and Donostia International Physics Center, P.K. 1072, 20080 Donostia, Euskadi, Spain. jm.mercero@ehu.es
Abstract:
Metal sandwich complexes made of metallic Al(3)R(3) aromatic three-membered rings have been characterized, and their structural and electronic properties have been studied using density functional theory. The perfluorinated cyclotrialane ring has been identified as a very stable ligand for sandwichlike complexation, as it bears both large sigma and large pi aromaticities. We have demonstrated that the perfluorocyclotrialane ligand can sandwich metals and metal dimers while retaining its aromaticity upon complexation. Also, we have found that atomic magnetism is preserved upon complexation of magnetic transition-metal atoms. Finally, we have studied the assembly of these sandwichlike complexes into linear polymer-like structures.
Related Concept Videos
Valence Bond Theory
Complexation Equilibria: The Chelate Effect
Metal-Ligand Bonds
In these complexes, transition metals form coordinate covalent bonds, a kind of Lewis acid-base interaction in which both of the electrons in the bond are contributed by a donor (Lewis base) to an electron acceptor (Lewis acid). The Lewis acid in...
Complexation Equilibria: Factors Influencing Stability of Complexes
Complexometric Titration: Ligands
Crystal Field Theory - Octahedral Complexes
To explain the observed behavior of transition metal complexes (such as colors), a model involving electrostatic interactions between the electrons from the ligands and the electrons in the unhybridized d orbitals of the central metal atom has been developed. This electrostatic model is crystal field theory (CFT). It helps to understand, interpret, and predict the colors, magnetic behavior, and some structures of coordination compounds of transition metals.
CFT focuses on...

