[Deep south]

Hi there

Has anyone had experience using LiDBB (lithium 4',4'-ditert-butylbiphenylide) for reductive lithiations or anything for that matter? I intend to use it to form an organolithium species from a -SPh precursor but am having trouble forming this reagent (from Li and 4,4'-ditertbutylbiphenyl (DBB) in THF at 0 C under Ar) despite following protocols rigorously (bone dry THF; new lithium cut under mineral oil, rinsed in hexanes; NMR-checked DBB).

Had spoken to some1 who previously said its quite tricky to make so folowed their advice of really vigorous stirring (to submerge Li better) but no luck!

Any help would rock...

Deep South