LAUSR

Abstract Two-dimensional supramolecular structure of oxalate ligated Al(III) coordination complex, (C2H10N2)2.[Al2(µ-O2)(oxalate)4]∙2H2O (Al-Ox) was synthesised hydrothermally and determined the structural features with single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Unique oxo bridged dinuclear Al(III) clusters were established and each Al(III) atom bonded with two units of oxalate ligand. In the dinuclear Al(III) structure, two Al(III) atoms were separated with a bond distance of 2.8702 A. Unsaturated metal centres creation upon activation acts as Lewis acid sites and ethylenediamine with a strong basic character in the structure remarkably facilitate an efficient and economic strategy for better organic transformations. The Lewis acid-base character catalytic efficacy of the complex is explored in the tandem multi-component synthesis of benzoquinoline-2-carbonitrile moieties. The synergy between the exceptional Lewis acidic and basic properties of Al-Ox contributed to its excellent catalytic activity in the generation of five new benzoquinoline-2-carbonitriles in impressive yields (92–96%) in short reaction time (ca.15 min) in a simple one-pot protocol, in ethanol. Recyclability with consistent activity (>5 times) is the added advantage.