It is used in the generation of 1,2-di(lithiomethyl)benzene. It is found to accept electrons from Li metal to give a radical anion which is highly effective in the conversion of alkyl halides to alkyllithiums. 4,4-Di-tert-butylbiphenyl is used in production of homoallylic amine derivatives. It is also used in the preparation of lithium di-tert-butylbiphenylide, a radical anion, superior to sodium or lithium naphthalenides for metalation reactions. Along with lithium, 4,4-Di-tert-butylbiphenyl catalyzes; reaction of chloromethyl ethyl ether and different carbonyl compounds to yield corresponding hydroxyethers and reductive opening of N-phenylazetidine.
