An organolithium reagent. Widely used as a very effective polymerization initiator in the production of elastomers such as polybutadiene or styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS). 1,2,3 Broadly employed as a very strong base in organic synthesis, both industrially and in the laboratory.4 Particular utility in deprotonation and metal–halogen exchange reactions.5,6 Used in metallation of arylmethanes,7 low-temperature rearrangement of allyl 1,1-dichlorovinyl ethers,8 synthesis of 3-methyltetrahydroisoquinolines and 3,4-dimethyl-tetrahydroisoquinolines from aromatic aminoalkenes using intramolecular hydroamination reactions,9 and Enantioselective butylation of benzaldehyde.10
References:
1. Mater. Matters 2006, 1, 10.
2. Polym. 1999, 40, 6351.
3. Polym. Sci. 1989, 31, 2905.
4. Tetrahedron Lett. 2001, 42, 3571.
5. Tetrahedron 2005, 61, 6590.
6. Tetrahedron Lett. 2007, 48, 1169.
7. J. Organomet. Chem. 1978, 159, 357.
8. Org. Lett. 2006, 8, 451.
9. Tetrahedron Lett. 2004, 45, 9561.
10. Tetrahedron 2002, 58, 4717.