Abstract

Benzene-1,2-diol readily forms complexes with aluminium(III) ions, under anhydrous conditions, to give a mixture of mononuclear and polynuclear entities. These complexes are anionic and require external counter ions to achieve electrical neutrality. Mannich base derivatives of benzene-1,2-diol (that is 3-(dialkylaminomethyl)benzene-1,2-diols) form similar mononuclear and polynuclear complexes but these are self neutralizing (eliminating the need for external counter ions) and are best described as zwitterionic. These complexes exhibit significant differences in their ability to partition between an aqueous and organic phase using a range of organic solvents.