Chapter 14: Organometallic Compounds
Preparation of Organolithium Reagents
Reaction type: oxidation - reduction
Summary
Organolithiums are formed by the reaction of alkyl halides with lithium metal.
Typical solvents are normally anhydrous diethyl ether but pentane or hexane can also be used.
The alkyl group can be primary, secondary or tertiary.
Halide reactivity : I > Br > Cl
R
can be alkyl, vinyl or aryl
Other Group I metals (Na, K) can be used instead of Li.
QUESTION
What is the oxidation state change for the C in the reaction methyl iodide to methyl lithium ?
ANSWER
What is the oxidation state change for the Li in the reaction methyl iodide to methyl lithium ?
ANSWER
What is the oxidation state change for the I in the reaction methyl iodide to methyl lithium ?
ANSWER
Which organometallic would you expect to be more reactive: RLi, RNa or RK ?
ANSWER
©
Dr. Ian Hunt
, Department of Chemistry
