alkylylitiumin

Alkylylitiumin, also known as alkyl lithium, is a class of organolithium compounds where an alkyl group is bonded to a lithium atom. These compounds are highly reactive and are used in various chemical syntheses due to their ability to form carbon-carbon bonds. Alkylylitiumins are typically prepared by the reaction of lithium metal with alkyl halides or by the reaction of lithium alkyls with alkyl halides. They are strong bases and nucleophiles, making them useful in deprotonation reactions and in the formation of carbon-carbon bonds.

The reactivity of alkylylitiumins is influenced by the nature of the alkyl group. Primary alkyl lithiums are more reactive than secondary alkyl lithiums, which in turn are more reactive than tertiary alkyl lithiums. This reactivity difference is due to the stability of the corresponding carbanions, which decreases as the number of alkyl groups attached to the carbon atom increases.

Alkylylitiumins are highly sensitive to moisture and air, and must be handled under inert atmospheres, typically using techniques such as Schlenk line or glove box. They are often used in conjunction with other reagents, such as copper(I) iodide, to form organocopper reagents, which are then used in cross-coupling reactions.

In summary, alkylylitiumins are powerful reagents in organic synthesis, capable of forming carbon-carbon bonds and acting as strong bases. Their reactivity and sensitivity to air and moisture require careful handling and storage.