Chemical Forums
Chemistry Forums for Students => Organic Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: taurean on September 23, 2008, 08:34:21 PM
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Does anyone know how lithium can be activated before doing any reaction?
Thanks,
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More details please, lithium is very active on itself.
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I am trying to make Ph3SnLi from Ph3SnCl and metallic lithium in dry THF. The literature procedure says it should give a olive-green solution which did not happen in my case. My guess is outer layer of lithium is oxidized to Li2O. I don't know how to get the shiny, silvery lithium from the oxidized lithium. Please suggest me something.
More details please, lithium is very active on itself.
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Are you using the thicker lithium ribbon, or the short thin lithium strips?
If you indeed have a layer of oxidated lithium coating your solid, then score the lithium or cut it into smaller pieces. The lithium at the point of cutting/scoring will not be oxidized, and the rest of the ribbon/strip should react from that point inward.
Make sure you wash it thoroughly with hexanes to get the mineral oil off. And don't let it get near water.
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I am using 3mm lithium wire. Thanks for your suggestion.
Are you using the thicker lithium ribbon, or the short thin lithium strips?
If you indeed have a layer of oxidated lithium coating your solid, then score the lithium or cut it into smaller pieces. The lithium at the point of cutting/scoring will not be oxidized, and the rest of the ribbon/strip should react from that point inward.
Make sure you wash it thoroughly with hexanes to get the mineral oil off. And don't let it get near water.