Chemical Properties
Lithium tert-Butoxide [1907-33-1], LiOC (CH3)3, Mr 80.06, r 0.89 g/cm3, mp 283 ℃ is a colorless compound with good solubility in many organic solvents (e.g. 16 % in hexane). It is commercially available as min. 98 % powder and as a 20 % solution in THF. In organic synthesis it serves as a strong base. As one of the few volatile lithium compounds, it sublimes without decomposition at 110 ℃ in vacuum, and is therefore a suitable raw material for lithium doping in CVD processes.
Uses
Lithium tert-butoxide is a mild base used in organic synthesis. It is involved in the alfa-alkylation reaction of ketones with primary alcohols. It is utilized as a catalyst in the reduction of ketones to the corresponding secondary alcohols. It acts as lithium source utilized in the preparation of LixTiyOz thin films. Further, it is used in conjunction with organometallic reagents/catalysts to modify their reactivity and selectivity.
Biochem/physiol Actions
Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli causes diarrhea through its heat-labile enterotoxin (LT). The LT is a periplasmic protein composed of one A subunit (LTA, 27 kDa) and five non-covalently associated B subunits (LTB, 11.6 kDa each) forming a ring-like pentamer. LTB has high affinity towards the toxin receptor ganglioside GM1, a glycosphingolipid found ubiquitously on the surface of mammalian cells. Ganglioside GM1 facilitates the delivery of the A subunit to the cytosol of the target cell resulting in persistent synthesis of cAMP and subsequently diarrhea. This characteristic makes LTB a good label for microglial cells (due to the enrichment of ganglioside GM1 on their cell surface). In addition, studies made mostly with animal models demonstrated that recombinant LTB could stimulate strong serum and mucosal immune responses against LT. Other studies have indicated that LTB could be used as a potent mucosal adjuvant.
Safety
Lithium tert-butoxide is dangerous because it catches fire immediately in contact with air. A few precautions will reduce the risk: Use protection when handling hazardous chemicals, always wear lab coats and safety glasses; Because tert-butyl lithium will automatically react with atmospheric moisture, so avoid its exposure to the atmosphere; Don't work alone and remember how to handle an emergency.
