Abstract
Both Al(III) and Fe(III) display a rich hydrolytic chemistry which can lead to the formation of a variety of aggregated oxo and hydroxo-bridged aggregates. The formation, structures and properties of these species are important in defining the availability and reactivity of these species in aqueous environments such as are found in biological systems and the environment. Although there are many similarities in the behaviour of the Al
3+ and Fe
3+ ions there are also some important differences between these two metal ions which can lead to a divergence in their chemistries. These considerations are discussed and illustrated with reference to 16 Al(III) and Fe(III) compounds, which have been crystallographically characterised, and which form in aqueous environments in the presence of chelating ligands containing the iminodiacetate functionality.