Sciencemadness Discussion Board

Looking for a Source of n-butyllithium

Mercedesbenzene - 28-3-2013 at 13:57

I have been looking for a source of n-butyllithium for quite some time now without much luck. I have also attempted to synthesize it with limited success. I was just wondering if any one member on the form knows of a place to buy it or has had experience making it. I am trying to get around 20-40mL of a 1.5-2.5M solution. Any help would be appreciated! thanks.


radagast - 29-3-2013 at 09:02

Out of curiosity, how did you synthesize it? Was it through the bromobutane and lithium method by Gilson?

I have a small amount of extra LiHMDS (25 mL or so) in my out-of-state lab, but no n-BuLi at the moment.

[Edited on 29-3-2013 by radagast]

Mercedesbenzene - 29-3-2013 at 14:50

I can't remember off the top of my head who wrote the paper, but yes, it's Li metal and bromobutane. I think I may actually have had success and will know for sure later today. Hopefully it does!

[Edited on 29-3-2013 by Mercedesbenzene]