The first structurally characterized aluminum compound with two SH groups: [LAl(SH)(2)] (L = N(Ar)C(Me)CHC(Me)N(Ar), Ar = 2,6-i-Pr(2)C(6)H(3)) and the catalytic properties of the sulfur P(NMe(2))(3) system.

Surprisingly stable is the bis(hydrogen sulfide) of aluminum LAl(SH)(2) with two terminal arranged SH groups. The insertion of sulfur into the Al-H bonds is catalyzed by SP(NMe(2))(3). A possible mechanism is discussed.