diffraction studies revealed that the aluminum tris(diethylphosphate) crystalstructure comprises two crystallographically nonequivalent catena-Al[O2P(OEt)2]3 chains propagating along the c-axis. Their parallel orientation favors the formation of closely packed hexagonal domains. PXRD data suggest that other homologues have a similar structure, with the interchain distance closely corresponding to the dimensions
Al[O2P(OR)2]3 proceeds either through β-elimination of olefin (for compounds with C2–C8 aliphatic ligands), or a homolytic cleavage of the P–OR bond (for methyl and phenyl derivatives); both processes are accompanied by condensation of the newly formed POH groups and liberation of water. Powder XRD, FTIR and SEM analyses of the solid residues indicate that thermolysis of Al[O2P(OR)2]3 accompanied by