Description
n-Hexyllithium [21369-64-2], C6H13Li, Mr 92.11, r 0.766 g/cm3 is a pyrophoric colorless and viscous liquid in the neat state. It is commercially available as a 33 % solution in technical-grade hexane. Its reactivity resembles that of n-butyllithium and it can thus principally be used for the same applications. An advantage is that it does not form gaseous byproducts in deprotonation reactions and on hydrolysis, but liquid hexane instead.
Chemical Properties
often supplied as a deep yellow solution (ca 2M) in hexane. n-Hexyllithium is soluble at all concentrations in aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons and reacts exothermically with water and protic solvents.
Uses
n-Hexyllithium could be used as alkylating agent for various functional groups; metalating agent of aryl and heteroaryl ring systems; slightly less reactive than n-butyllithium.
Precautions
n-Hexyllithium should be handled as n-Butyllithium; store in a cool, dry place in a tightly sealed container under an inert atmosphere.
