The synthesis and solid-state and solution structures of an unprecedented mixed chiral α-amino lithium alkoxide–lithium alkoxide aggregate

Lithium N,N,N′-trimethylethylenediamide, LiN(Me)(CH2)2NMe2, reacts with 1 equiv. of 2-trifluoromethylbenzaldehyde, 2-F3CC6H4CHO, to afford a surprising tetranuclear mixed aggregate containing three chiral α-amino lithium alkoxide molecules which associate in a highly unusual fashion, the fourth molecule, the benzyl alkoxide reduction product, forming by an inter-molecular LiH transfer.