A dimeric alkyl complex supported by an O,S,S,O-tetradentate diphenolate ligand

The title dinuclear compound, bis[μ-6,6'-di-tert-butyl-4,4′-dimethyl-2,2-(ethylenedithio)diphenolato]bis[methylaluminium(I)], [Al₂(CH₃)₂(C₂₄H₃₂O₂S₂)] or [AlMe(etbmp)]₂ [where etbmpH₂ is 6,6′-di-tert-butyl-4,4′-dimethyl-2,2- (ethylenedithio)diphenol], was obtained by reaction of trimethylaluminum with etbmpH₂, as shown by X-ray diffraction of a single crystal. The molecule possesses a crystallographic twofold axis.