n-Butyllithium

## n-Butyllithium (n-BuLi, CAS 109-72-8): Key Functions and Uses

1. **Strong Organolithium Base**
n-Butyllithium, commonly abbreviated as **n-BuLi**, is a highly reactive organolithium reagent widely used as a strong base in advanced organic synthesis. It enables the controlled deprotonation of compounds that are not easily activated by conventional bases.

2. **Metalation and Lithium–Halogen Exchange**
One of its main functions is the generation of organolithium intermediates through **metalation** or lithium–halogen exchange. These intermediates can be reacted with electrophiles to introduce new functional groups and construct complex molecular frameworks.

3. **Carbon–Carbon Bond Formation**
n-BuLi acts as a powerful nucleophile and supports carbon–carbon bond-forming reactions. It is used in the preparation of alcohols, ketones, hydrocarbons, heterocycles, and other valuable synthetic intermediates.

4. **Pharmaceutical and Agrochemical Synthesis**
CAS 109-72-8 is important in medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutical intermediate manufacturing, agrochemical development, and specialty chemical production. It helps enable selective functionalization and route optimization for high-value molecules.

5. **Polymerization Initiator**
n-Butyllithium is widely used as an initiator for anionic polymerization. It supports the production and research of controlled polymers, elastomers, block copolymers, and specialty materials with tailored molecular weight and architecture.

6. **Organometallic and Materials Research**
This reagent is also used in organometallic chemistry, electronic-material synthesis, polymer functionalization, and mechanistic studies. Its strong reactivity allows researchers to prepare specialized lithium-containing intermediates and advanced molecular structures.

7. **Quality and Procurement Considerations**
When sourcing n-Butyllithium 109-72-8, buyers should verify concentration, solvent system, active-base content, purity, packaging, batch consistency, certificate of analysis, and storage requirements. Common search terms include **n-BuLi, n-Butyllithium, CAS 109-72-8, organolithium reagent, strong base, metalation reagent, lithium–halogen exchange reagent, and polymerization initiator**.

8. **Strict Professional Handling Requirement**
n-Butyllithium is highly moisture-sensitive and can ignite spontaneously when exposed to air. It may react violently with water and incompatible substances. Handling requires trained personnel, appropriate inert-atmosphere equipment, validated procedures, and strict compliance with the supplier’s **Safety Data Sheet and applicable regulations**. It is intended for professional research and industrial use only.