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Tris(8-hydroxyquinolinato)aluminium

Tris(8-hydroxyquinolinato)aluminium is the chemical compound with the formula Al(C<sub>9</sub>H<sub>6</sub>NO)<sub>3</sub>. Widely abbreviated Alq<sub>3</sub>, it is a coordination complex wherein aluminium is bonded in a bidentate manner to the conjugate base of three 8-hydroxyquinoline ligands.

Structure

Both the meridional and facial isomers are known as well as several polymorphs (different crystalline forms).

Synthesis

The compound is prepared by the reaction of 8-hydroxyquinoline with aluminium(III) sources

Al<sup>3+</sup> + 3 C<sub>9</sub>H<sub>7</sub>NO → Al(C<sub>9</sub>H<sub>6</sub>NO)<sub>3</sub> + 3 H<sup>+</sup>

The synthesis and precipitation are so efficient that this reaction is used in gravimetric analysis for aluminium.

Applications

Alq<sub>3</sub> is a common component of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). Variations in the substituents on the quinoline rings affect its luminescence properties.

References