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