Lithium tert-Butoxide, powder

C₄H₉OLi

CAS Number: 1907-33-1

EC Number: 217-611-5

Material REACH Number: 01-2120138357-54-0000

Lithium tert-Butoxide (CAS 1907-33-1) is a strong lithium amide base (often non‐nucleophilic) with molecular formula C4H9OLi. It is supplied as a powder.

It is commonly used as a strong base for selective deprotonation and related transformations. Deprotonation reactions in organic synthesis.

Many reagents in this class react readily with moisture and oxygen. Handle under dry, inert conditions using air‐ and water‐free techniques, and add slowly/with cooling when quenching or charging to control heat release. Consult the SDS and site-specific procedures for compatible materials, fire response, and storage.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Property Value

IUPAC Name

lithium 2-methylpropan-2-olate

Molecular Weight

80.06g/mol

Appearance

Powder

Color

White To Beige

Density

0.89 g/cm3 at 25 °C Method: OECD Test Guideline 109

Bulk Density

500 kg/m3

Solubility in Water

(Not applicable)

Solubility in Other Solvents

solvents: 20 g/l at 20 °C Medium: tert-butyl alcohol
Molecular weight: 80.06 g/mol

Applications

Deprotonation reactions in organic synthesis.

Specifications

Lithium tert-Butoxide 99,0 - 101,5 %
LiOH + Li2CO3 max. 1 %
calculated as LiOH

Method of Analysis

Potentiometric titration of the hydrolyzed product for the determination of total base. Detailed description available on request. Determination of LiOH by Karl Fischer titration.

Handling and Storage

Handling Instructions

Lithium tert-Butoxide should be handled under inert gas atmosphere. Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothes as well as inhalation. Lithium tert-Butoxid decomposes in contact with humidity. Dust may form explosive mixtures with air. Use only explosion-proof equipment. Take precautionary measures against electrostatic. Protect from frost, heat and sunlight. In case of fire use dry extinguisher on basis of sodium chloride or limestone powder. Never use water or CO2-extinguishers. Pay also attention to the Safety Data Sheet.

Storage Instructions

Lithium tert-Butoxid should be stored in tightly closed containers under exclusion of humidity at gentle temperatures. Keep away from heat, sparks and fire. Pay also attention to the Safety Data Sheet. When stored according to SDS the material is fairly stable. We still recommend to retest the material 6 months after date of analysis if included on CoA. If not included, use the date of manufacturing for the calculation.