From minerals to materials: synthesis of alumoxanes from the reaction of boehmite with carboxylic acids

Abstract

Reaction of pseudo-boehmite, [Al(O)(OH)]_n, with carboxylic acids (RCO₂H) results in the formation of the carboxylatoalumoxanes, [Al(O)_x(OH)_y(O₂CR)_z]_n where 2x + y + z = 3 and R = C1–C13. The physical properties of the alumoxanes are highly dependent on the identity of the alkyl substituents, R, and range from insoluble crystalline powders to powders which readily form solutions or gels in hydrocarbon solvents, from which films may be readily spin-coated. The physical and chemical changes that occur during the reaction of boehmite with carboxylic acids, and the resulting alumoxanes, have been characterized by scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), IR and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA). The carboxylatoalumoxanes reported herein are spectroscopically similar to analogues prepared from small molecule precursors. Based on the IR and NMR spectra of the alumoxanes as well as comparison with the aluminium carboxylate compounds [Me₂Al(µ-O₂CR)]₂ and Al(O₂CR)(salen)(R = CH₃, n-C₅H₁₁), a model structure of the alumoxanes is proposed, consisting of a boehmite-like core with the carboxylate substituents bound in a bridging mode. Furthermore, the alumoxane particles appear as rod or sheet-like particles, not linear polymers. This is proposed to be due to the destruction of hydrogen bonding within the mineral as hydroxide groups are removed and replaced with acid functionalities. All of the alumoxanes decompose under mild thermolysis to yield alumina. Mass spectral studies indicate that upon thermolysis the volatile decomposition products are water and the carboxylic acid.