Ethyl Lithiopropiolate is used in synthesis of alkynic alcohols by addition to aldehydes, ketones, or epoxides.
Ethyl Lithiopropiolate is prepared by treating the alkyl propiolate (e.g. Methyl Propiolate) with n-Butyllithium at low temperature. An alternative method uses Lithium Diisopropylamide (LDA).
Alkynyllithium reagents are air- and moisture-sensitive. These reagents decompose above -78 °C. The ethyl derivative seems to be slightly more stable than the methyl compound. Ethyl and methyl propiolate should be handled with caution.
