Product: 109-72-8 N Butyllithium

n-Butyllithium, typ. 90 % solution in Hexane (10.7 M)

C4H9Li

CAS Number:  109-72-8 EC Number:  203-698-7 REACH Number:  01-2119494906-21-0000

n-Butyllithium (CAS 109-72-8) is a lithium alkyl with molecular formula C4H9Li. It is supplied as a concentrated solution in Hexane (typically 90%, ~10.7 M) and typically has a yellowish slightly cloudy appearance.

It is used as an initiator for anionic polymerization of olefines such as isoprene, butadiene and styrene. Furthermore, it shows broad synthetic application as a strong base applied for example in (hetero-)arene metalation and as a reagent for halogen-lithium exchange. Further synthetic applications include alkylation and transmetalation reactions.

n-Butyllithium reacts readily with moisture and oxygen and should be handled under dry, inert conditions. The handling of highly concentrated n-Butyllithium requires further safety measures. Consult the SDS and site-specific procedures for compatible materials, fire response, and storage.

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Physical and Chemical Properties
Property Value
IUPAC Name
 
Molecular Weight
64.06g/mol
Appearance
Liquid
Color
Yellowish Slightly Cloudy
Flash Point
< -20 °C (Hexane)
Boiling Point
55 - 85 °C (Hexane)
Density
ca. 0.765 g/cm3 at 20 °C
Bulk Density
(Not applicable)
Solubility in Water
(Not applicable)

Applications

Initiator for olefin polymerization. Alkylating and metalating agent.

Specifications

Chemical analysis:
  • active base 90 - 92 % (10.7 M)
  • free base *) max. 1.8 %
  • activity min. 98 %
  • *) pure LiC4H9

    Method of Analysis

    Total base: titration of base resulting from hydrolysis. Free base: addition of dry hexane to produce a 15 - 20 % solution; removal of butyllithium with benzyl chloride, hydrolysis and titration of residual base.

    Handling Instructions

    Under exclusion of air and when stored in a cool place the product is fairly stable (decomposition rate at 20 °C: abt. 0.4 % per month). Contact with air can result in self-igniton. Butyllithium should be handled always under inert gas like nitrogen.

    Storage Instructions

    For quality reasons Butyllithium concentrated should be stored below 0 °C. 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 “Marking“, especially fire fighting). Please ask for our Butyllithium brochure.

    Legal Disclaimer

    The information presented herein is believed to be accurate and reliable but is presented without guarantee or responsibility on the part of Albemarle Corporation and its subsidiaries and affiliates. It is the responsibility of the user to comply with all applicable laws and regulations and to provide for a safe workplace. The user should consider any health or safety hazards or information contained herein only as a guide and should take those precautions which are necessary or prudent to instruct employees and to develop work practice procedures in order to promote a safe work environment. Further, nothing contained herein shall be taken as an inducement or recommendation to manufacture or use any of the herein materials or processes in violation of existing or future patent.

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