sec-Butyllithium, typ. 12 % solution in Cyclohexane
C6H13Li
sec-Butyllithium (CAS 598-30-1) is a lithium alkyl with molecular formula C4H9Li. It is provided as a typ. 12% solution in Cyclohexane (typ. 1.4 M) and typically has a colorless to clear pale yellow 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.
s-Butyllithium reacts readily with moisture and oxygen and should be handled under dry, inert conditions. Consult the SDS and site-specific procedures for compatible materials, fire response, and storage.
Applications
Initiator for olefin polymerization. Alkylating and metalating agent.
Specifications
Chemical analysis:- active base typ. 11.5 - 12.5 % (1.4 M)
- free base *) typ. < 0.3 %
- activity typ. > 97.4 %
- Cl (covalent) typ. < 0.03 %
- *) mainly LiOC4H9
Method of Analysis
Total base: titration of base resulting from hydrolysis. Free base: removal of butyllithium with benzyl chloride, hydrolysis and titration of residual base.Handling Instructions
Butyllithium should always be handled under inert gas like nitrogen although hydro-carbon solutions of sec-butyllithium in containers of LiR of approx. 12 % normally do not ignite spontaneously when coming in contact with air. Increase in concentration due to evaporation of solvent results in rising danger of self-ignition.
Storage Instructions
Under exclusion of air and humidity and when stored in a cool place, the solutions are fairly stable (decomposition rate at 5 °C: abt. 0.2 %; at 20 °C: abt. 1.4 %; at 35 °C: abt. 10 % of active material per month). Decomposition does not cause pressure build up in containers. However, after longer storage, LiH can precipitate as a finely dispersed white powder that will nearly always ignite when coming in contact with air. For quality reasons sec-Butyllithium should be stored between -15 °C and 20 °C. Pay attention to official safety regulations (see also: ' 'Transport regulations' and 'GHS Hazard Pictograms', especially fire-fighting). Please ask for our Butyllithium brochure.
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