Aluminium acetate, propionate and butyrate

Abstract

Tri-acetate, tri-propionate and tri-butyrate of aluminium have been prepared by the reaction between aluminium alkoxides and the corresponding acid anhydrides either in the presence or absence of an inert solvent. When carried out in benzene, the initial product appears to be a mono-alkoxy di-acid compound of aluminium which, on further refluxing in the acid anhydride gives the tri-acid compound. Aluminium tri-acetate and tri-propionate are found to be insoluble in benzene, whereas the tri-butyrate resembles the higher tri-soaps in being soluble in this solvent. The mono-alkoxy di-acid compounds have been found to be water repellent, but give viscous solutions in benzene.