CH3CH2Li

CH3CH2Li, commonly known as ethyllithium, is an organometallic compound with the chemical formula C2H5Li. It is a highly reactive substance that belongs to the class of organolithium reagents. Ethyllithium typically exists as a white solid but is often handled as a solution in organic solvents such as diethyl ether or hexane. Its reactivity stems from the polarized carbon-lithium bond, where the carbon atom carries a significant partial negative charge, making it a strong nucleophile and a strong base. This nucleophilicity allows it to readily react with electrophilic centers in various organic molecules. As a base, it can deprotonate weakly acidic protons, a property exploited in organic synthesis for generating carbanions. Ethyllithium is primarily used as a reagent in organic synthesis, participating in reactions like alkylation, addition to carbonyl compounds, and metal-halogen exchange. Due to its reactivity with air and moisture, it must be handled under an inert atmosphere, typically nitrogen or argon, to prevent decomposition. Its preparation often involves the reaction of ethyl halides with lithium metal.