The equimolar reaction between Me3Al and the methyl ketones (2, 4, 6-R3–C6H2) C (O) CH3, where R= Me or iPr, results in exclusive formation of the enolization products [{Me2AlOC (2, 4, 6-R3–C6H2) CH2} 2], 1 and 2, upon heating to reflux temperature in toluene solution. The property of Me3Al acting as a base rather than a nucleophile in these reactions is due to the sterically hindered nature of the ketones. Crystallographic analysis ...