The reaction of PhCaI with AlPh3 in THF yields the ion pair [(thf) 5CaI][AlPh4]. The variability of this reaction is striking when AlMe3 was employed as the Lewis acid. A Schlenk equilibrium and methyl/phenyl exchange reactions take place, yielding alanates of the type [(thf) 6Ca][Me4− n AlPh n] 2.
