[taurean]

Does anyone know how lithium can be activated before doing any reaction?

Thanks,

[Borek]

More details please, lithium is very active on itself.

[taurean]

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.

[azmanam]

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.

[taurean]

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.