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Product: 917-54-4 Methyllithium

Methyllithium, typ. 6 % solution in Diethyl Ether with Lithium Bromide (typ. 2.2 M)

CH3Li

CAS Number:  917-54-4 EC Number:  213-026-4 REACH Number:  01-2120065574-52-0000, 01-2120065574-52-0001

Methyllithium (CAS 917-54-4) is an organolithium reagent with molecular formula CH3Li. It is supplied as a typical 6% solution in Diethyl Ether with Lithium Bromide.

The Methyllithium Lithiumbromide complex is commonly used as a strong base or nucleophile in organic synthesis. Typical applications include alkylation, deprotonation and halogen-lithium exchange. The Lithium bromide complexes increases selectivity and reduces reactivity of Methyllithium.

Methyllithium 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.

Physical and Chemical Properties
Property Value
IUPAC Name
methyllithium
Molecular Weight
21.98g/mol
Appearance
Liquid
Color
Colorless To Light Yellow
Crystallization Temperature
ca. -4 °C
Flash Point
-45 °C (Diethyl ether)
Boiling Point
ca. 34.7 °C at 1,013 hPa (Diethyl ether)
Density
ca. 0.81 g/cm3 at 20 °C
Solubility in Water
(Reacts violently with water.)

Applications

Methylating agent. Lithiation of organic compounds. The solution contains lithium bromide as a complexing agent. This increases selectivity and reduces reactivity of Methyllithium.

Specifications

  • Total base 6,0 - 7,0 %
  • Active base 6,0 - 6,3 %
  • LiBr 9,0 - 11,0 %

    Method of Analysis

    Determination of assay as total base by potentiometric titration after hydrolysis. Determination of assay as active base by thermometric titration. LiBr analyzed by argentometric / potentiometric titration.

    Handling Instructions

    Methyllithium should only be handled under inert gas atmosphere. Catches fire spontaneously if exposed to air. Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothes as well as inhalation. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors are heavier than air and may spread along floors. Flash-back possible over considerable distance. Use only explosion-proof equipment. Take measures against electrostatic discharges. Protect from frost, heat and sunlight. Never add water, acids or oxidizing materials to the product. In case of fire use dry extinguishers on basis of sodium chloride or limestone powder. Never use water or CO2-extinguishers. Pay attention to the safety data sheet.

    Storage Instructions

    Recommended storage temperature: 5-15 °C. Keep container tightly closed. When stored according to SDS the material has limited stability due to decomposition over time. We therefore 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.

    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.