Aluminoxane

Aluminoxane refers to compounds that are obtained by the partial hydrolysis of Trialkylaluminiums.

List of Aluminoxanes

 * TiBAO Triisobutylaluminoxane (hydrolysis of Triisobutylaluminium)
 * MAO Methylaluminoxane (hydrolysis of Trimethylaluminium)

Synthesis
See the specific aluminoxane in the List of aluminoxanes (vide supra)

Uses
Aluminoxanes serve as activators for catalystic olefin polymerisation (see Ziegler-Natta catalyst).

They also serve a function as scavenger for impurities (e.g. water) in reactions that are sensitive to these impurities.

Safety
Hydrolysis of Trialkylaluminium compounds is a highly exothermic process, and the starting trialkylaluminium compounds are often pyrophoric or burn in contact with air.