[(3-dimethylamino)propyl]dimethylaluminum: A convenient reagent for methylation and ethynylation of carbonyl compounds

Article abstract of DOI:10.1055/s-1996-4334

At 60-80°C the title compound methylates a variety of mono- and diketones. Aromatic aldehydes undergo simple methylation by the reagent only after initial treatment with an equivalent amount of AlCl₃. Upon reaction of Me₂Al(CH₂)₃NMe₂ with terminal acetylenes the aluminum complex is converted into a carbonyl-alkynylation reagent.