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n-Butyl Lithium - Reciprocal Net Common Molecule Log in
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n-Butyl Lithium

N-Butyl Lithium is one of the most highly used organolithium compounds.

Chemical Formula: n-BuLi
Layman's explanation: N-Butyl Lithium is an effective reducing agent and acts as an initiator for vinyl polymerization reactions. As a crystal, it forms a hexameric shape. Since it useful as a low-temperature reagent, n-butyl lithium has been used in the cold chemistry of cryogenics, a type of chemistry that is used industrially for food processing and recycling. N-butyl lithium can also combine with certain strong bases to form a superbase. When using n-butyl lithium, one should be cautious since the chemical is very reactive. It may react violently with water, carbon dioxide and other materials. It is highly flammable and capable of re-igniting after the fire is extinguished.
Keywords: reducing agent, cold chemistry, polymerization

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