LITHIUM METHOXIDE / Lithium T-butoxide

LITHIUM METHOXIDE: mainly used as A shrinkage agent and strong base catalyst for organic synthesis transesterification reaction, and methoxylation agent for the preparation of vitamin A, vitamin B, and sulfadiazine drugs.

Lithium Methanol Solution

A lithium methanol solution typically refers to a solution where lithium salts (such as lithium chloride or lithium perchlorate) are dissolved in methanol, a type of alcohol. This kind of solution is often used in chemical and electrochemical applications, including battery technology, organic synthesis, and as a reagent in various laboratory processes.


Other Name:Lithium Methoxide
English Name:Lithium Methoxide;Lithium methanolate;Lithium methylate;  methoxylithium; Methanol, lithium salt
Molecular Formula:CH3OLi    Molecular weight:37.97
CAS No.: 865-34-9

1. Performance and use

This product is a methanol solution of lithium methoxide. It is mainly used as A shrinkage agent and strong base catalyst for organic synthesis transesterification reaction, and methoxylation agent for the preparation of vitamin A, vitamin B, sulfadiazine drugs. A small amount is used in pesticide production. It can also be used as a catalyst for edible fatty oils.


• Battery Electrolytes: In some lithium battery chemistries, lithium methanol solutions can be used as electrolytes, though more commonly, solutions with organic carbonates are used.
• Organic Synthesis: Lithium methanol solutions can act as a reagent or catalyst in organic reactions, particularly where a polar aprotic solvent is needed.
• Chemical Analysis: In analytical chemistry, such solutions might be used in titrations or other procedures where lithium ions need to be present in a methanol medium.
• Electrochemical Studies: Lithium methanol solutions are also used in electrochemical experiments to study the behavior of lithium ions in various solvents.


2. Lithium Methoxide In Methanol Technical index


Regular item

Index

Appearance

Clear liquid

Free alkali

<0.1%

Impurity

<0.1%

Methanol content

89-90%

Lithium methanol content

9.9-10.1%

3. Use preventive measures

As lithium methanol is not easy to preserve, this product is a colorless and transparent solution of methanol containing 10%, which is volatile and flammable. It is easy to absorb water and decompose from the air to produce lithium hydroxide, which makes the solution cloudy, reacts violently in water, and has toxicity. Protective measures should be taken after opening the lid, and the lid of the barrel should be sealed and stored after use.


4. Properties:

Conductivity: The solution conducts electricity, making it useful in electrochemical applications.
Reactivity: Methanol is a reactive solvent, and lithium salts can alter its reactivity. Care must be taken, especially when working with highly reactive lithium compounds, as they may react with methanol or other components.
Solubility: The solubility of lithium salts in methanol varies depending on the specific salt and the concentration of the solution.


5. packaging and storage

This product is packed in composite plastic drum, net weight 175kg per barrel, beware of moisture, high temperature and sunlight, storage.

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Lithium Methoxide In Methanol is a versatile chemical mixture with applications across several fields, particularly in research and industrial settings. However, due to the reactivity and toxicity of methanol, careful handling and safety precautions are essential.


Lithium T-butoxide

Lithium t-butoxide, also known as lithium tert-butoxide, is a chemical compound with the formula LiOC(CH3)3. It is a lithium alkoxide, where the lithium cation (Li+) is bonded to a tert-butoxide anion OC(CH3)3. This compound is commonly used in organic chemistry as a strong, non-nucleophilic base.



Key Features of Lithium T-Butoxide:

  1. Chemical Structure:

    • Formula: LiOC(CH3)3
    • Molecular Weight: 80.06 g/mol
    • Appearance: Typically, lithium t-butoxide is found as a white to off-white crystalline solid or powder.
  2. Properties:

    • Strong Base: Lithium t-butoxide is a very strong base, much stronger than alcohols and water. It is commonly used in deprotonation reactions and to generate enolates from carbonyl compounds.
    • Non-Nucleophilic: Unlike some bases, lithium t-butoxide is relatively bulky, which reduces its nucleophilicity. This makes it particularly useful in reactions where a strong base is needed, but nucleophilic attack needs to be minimized.
    • Solubility: It is soluble in organic solvents such as tetrahydrofuran (THF), ether, and hexane but less soluble in alcohols and water. In solution, it can react with moisture and CO₂, so it is typically handled under inert gas like nitrogen or argon.
  3. Applications:

    • Organic Synthesis: Lithium t-butoxide is widely used in organic chemistry for base-catalyzed reactions, such as:
      • Deprotonation: Used to deprotonate weak acids, particularly when generating enolates from carbonyl compounds.
      • Elimination Reactions: Often employed in E2 elimination reactions to generate alkenes.
      • Cross-Coupling Reactions: It can be used in various coupling reactions, such as Suzuki or Heck reactions, as a base to help facilitate the reaction.
    • Polymerization: It may be used in the polymerization of certain monomers, taking advantage of its strong basicity.
    • Preparation of Other Organolithium Compounds: Lithium t-butoxide is sometimes used in the synthesis of other organolithium reagents.
  4. Handling and Safety:

    • Reactivity: Lithium t-butoxide is highly reactive and sensitive to moisture and air, so it should be stored in a dry, inert atmosphere (e.g., under nitrogen or argon).
    • Safety Precautions: As with many strong bases, it can cause severe burns if it comes into contact with skin or eyes. Proper protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles, should be worn when handling it.
    • Flammability: It should be kept away from open flames and sources of ignition, as it can be flammable when in powder form.


Lithium t-butoxide is a strong, non-nucleophilic base widely used in organic synthesis for deprotonation, elimination reactions, and in the preparation of other organolithium reagents. Its reactivity and strength make it a valuable tool in various chemical reactions, though care must be taken in its handling due to its sensitivity to moisture and its corrosive nature.