Key Features of Lithium T-Butoxide: Chemical Structure: Formula: LiOC(CH3)3 Molecular Weight: 80.06 g/mol Appearance: Typically, lithium t-butoxide is found as a white to off-white crystalline solid or powder. Properties: Strong Base: Lithium t-butoxide is a very strong base, much stronger than alcohols and water. It is commonly used in deprotonation reactions and to generate enolates from carbonyl compounds. Non-Nucleophilic: Unlike some bases, lithium t-butoxide is relatively bulky, which reduces its nucleophilicity. This makes it particularly useful in reactions where a strong base is needed, but nucleophilic attack needs to be minimized. Solubility: It is soluble in organic solvents such as tetrahydrofuran (THF), ether, and hexane but less soluble in alcohols and water. In solution, it can react with moisture and COâ??, so it is typically handled under inert gas like nitrogen or argon. Applications: Organic Synthesis: Lithium t-butoxide is widely used in organic chemistry for base-catalyzed reactions, such as: Deprotonation: Used to deprotonate weak acids, particularly when generating enolates from carbonyl compounds. Elimination Reactions: Often employed in E2 elimination reactions to generate alkenes. Cross-Coupling Reactions: It can be used in various coupling reactions, such as Suzuki or Heck reactions, as a base to help facilitate the reaction. Polymerization: It may be used in the polymerization of certain monomers, taking advantage of its strong basicity. Preparation of Other Organolithium Compounds: Lithium t-butoxide is sometimes used in the synthesis of other organolithium reagents. Handling and Safety: Reactivity: Lithium t-butoxide is highly reactive and sensitive to moisture and air, so it should be stored in a dry, inert atmosphere (e.g., under nitrogen or argon). Safety Precautions: As with many strong bases, it can cause severe burns if it comes into contact with skin or eyes. Proper protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles, should be worn when handling it. Flammability: It should be kept away from open flames and sources of ignition, as it can be flammable when in powder form. Lithium t-butoxide is a strong, non-nucleophilic base widely used in organic synthesis for deprotonation, elimination reactions, and in the preparation of other organolithium reagents. Its reactivity and strength make it a valuable tool in various chemical reactions, though care must be taken in its handling due to its sensitivity to moisture and its corrosive nature.