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Lithium tert-Butoxide, powder

Lithium tert-Butoxide, typ. 20 % solution in THF (typ. 2.2 M)

C4H9OLi

CAS Number:  1907-33-1 EC Number:  217-611-5 REACH Number:  01-2120138357-54-0000

Lithium tert-Butoxide (CAS 1907-33-1) is a metal alkoxide with molecular formula C4H9OLi. It is supplied as a typical 20% solution in THF.

It is commonly used as a moderately strong base for selective deprotonation and related transformations.

Lithium tert-Butoxide 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
lithium 2-methylpropan-2-olate
Molecular Weight
80.06g/mol
Appearance
Liquid
Color
Yellow To Brown
Flash Point
-21.2 °C 1,013 hPa (Tetrahydrofuran)
Boiling Point
65 °C at 1,013 hPa (Tetrahydrofuran)
Density
0.89 g/cm3 at 20 °C
Solubility in Water
(Not applicable)

Applications

Deprotonation reactions in organic synthesis.

Specifications

  • Lithium tert-Butoxide 19,0 – 21,0 %
  • LiOH + Li2CO3 max. 0.1 %
  • 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 Instructions

    Lithium tert-Butoxide should be handled under inert gas atmosphere. Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothes as well as inhalation. Lithium tert-Butoxide decomposes in contact with humidity. 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 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, foam or CO2-extinguishers. Pay also attention to the Safety Data Sheet.

    Storage Instructions

    Lithium tert-Butoxide 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.

    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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