n-Butyllithium, typ. 15 % solution in Hexane (1.6 M)
C₄H₉Li
n-Butyllithium, typ. 15 % solution in Hexane (1.6 M) (CAS 109-72-8, molecular formula C4H9Li) is an inorganic chemical supplied as a technical-grade material. It is typically a yellow liquid.
Initiator for olefin polymerization. Alkylating and metalating agent.
Typical specifications include: active base 14.8 - 15.3 % (1.6 M); free base max. 0.3 %; activity min. 98 %.
Under exclusion of air and humidity the solution is fairly stable (decomposition rate at 20 °C: abt. 0.06 %; at 35 °C: abt.
Applications
Initiator for olefin polymerization. Alkylating and metalating agent.
Specifications
Chemical analysis:- active base 14.8 - 15.3 % (1.6 M)
- free base max. 0.3 %
- activity min. 98 %
- Cl (covalent) max. 0.03 %
- mainly LiOC4H9
Handling and Storage
Handling Instructions
Under exclusion of air and humidity the solution is fairly stable (decomposition rate at 20 °C: abt. 0.06 %; at 35 °C: abt. 0.5 % of active material per month). Decomposition does not cause pressure build up in containers. Butyllithium should always be handled under inert gas like nitrogen although hydrocarbon solutions of n-butyllithium in concentrations of LiR up to about 25 % normally do not ignite spontaneously when coming in contact with air. Increase in concentration due to evaporation of solvent results in rising danger of selfignition.
Storage Instructions
After longer storage, solution of Butyllithium tend to form finely dispersed LiH which is very likely to ignite when in contact with air. Pay attention to official safety regulations (see also "Transport regulations" and "GHS Hazard Pictograms", especially fire fighting). Please ask for our Butyllithium brochure.