Aluminum complexes based on pyridine substituted alcohols: synthesis, structure, and catalytic application in ROPElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: CIF files of compounds 4, 3a, 4b and 5; polymer characteristics; NMR spectra for compounds obtained. CCDC 1046664-1046667. For ESI and crystallographic data in CIF or other electronic format see DOI: 10.1039/c5dt01001b

A series of substituted pyridine dialcohols (2,6-bis(hydroxyalkyl)pyridines), 1-4 , was used for the synthesis of various types of aluminum complexes. Aluminum methyl derivatives, 2-4a , were obtained by the reaction of AlMe 3 with the corresponding ligand or transmetallation reactions of germylenes. Aluminum chloride complexes, 3-4b , were obtained by substitution of the Me group under the action of chlorinating agents. Methoxy-, 2-4c , or benzyloxy-, 2d , aluminum complexes were synthesized in transalkoxylation reaction of Me 2 Al(OX) (X = Me, Bn) by the corresponding ligand. All complexes obtained were thoroughly investigated by multinuclear NMR and X-ray analysis. It has been established that the structure of the ligand (number of carbon atoms) determines the nature of the complexes formed. Compounds were used as initiators of ring-opening polymerization of l -lactide and -caprolactone and showed moderate activity with controlled or immortal character. 2,6-Bis(hydroxyalkyl)pyridines were used in the synthesis of Al complexes. The structure of the ligand determines the complex nature. Compounds were used as initiators of lactone ROP.