Question

Is anhydrous ether ((CH3CH2)2O, Et2O, or simply 'the batman') necessary (when Li^0 is used as a reagent) to produce an organolithium? (Pics follow)

Answer 1

http://i.imgur.com/aDyRk7J.jpg?1
Above are my notes pertaining to the subject. I wrote them straight off the board, and having come back to them, I'm not sure: did the teacher just leave the Et2O off of the third reaction (the Gillman reagent) or is it in fact not necessary?

Answer 2

im not sure but i would say that it wasn't...not sure why but i just have a feeling that it isn't

Answer 3

That sounds right to me too, especially considering I wrote up the thing as the Li-zero having produced the same product as above with the presence of the Batman.

Answer 4

huh yeah that would make sense

Answer 5

On the other hand, I imagine that it's just straight-up necessary for the reaction to proceed and she just left it out on account of not wanting to write it twice.

Answer 6

huh another good point....i would try to ask her or another expert

Answer 7

Yes! Organometallics are highly reactive with air. That is why you use dry solvents such as the ones you named. If not careful, even a small volume of an organometallic species can create a huge explosion.

Answer 8

:D! Thank you! I thought that was the case, just wasn't sure.