etüülliitium

Etüülliitium, also known as ethyl lithium, is an organometallic compound with the chemical formula C2H5Li. It is a highly reactive substance and is typically encountered as a solution in organic solvents such as diethyl ether or hexane. Etüülliitium is classified as an organolithium reagent and is a valuable tool in organic synthesis.

Its primary application lies in its ability to act as a strong base and a nucleophile. As a base, it can deprotonate a wide range of acidic protons, facilitating reactions such as alkylation and condensation. As a nucleophile, the ethyl group can attack electrophilic centers, leading to the formation of new carbon-carbon bonds. This makes it useful in the synthesis of various organic molecules, including pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. Due to its high reactivity, etüülliitium must be handled with care under inert atmosphere conditions to prevent decomposition by moisture and oxygen. It is typically prepared by reacting ethyl halides with lithium metal. Its storage and use require specialized laboratory procedures to ensure safety.