Item no.: P3101100

Principle

Unlike the other alkali-organyls, lithium organyls – with the exception of methyllithium – show a stronger covalent behaviour. They dissolve rather well in organic solvents, such as diethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, and alkanes, and they are relatively stable in these solvents.
Wurtz synthesis was developed in 1854 for the preparation of higher alkanes based on haloalkanes. Alkyl iodides react the easiest. The reaction can be controlled best with lithium, since the other alkali metals react much more violently. Wurtz synthesis is often a side reaction that occurs during organometallic conversions.

Tasks

Investigate the reaction of ethyl iodide with lithium and the following reaction of ethyllithium with ethyl iodide.

What you can learn about

• Alkali-organyls
• Lithium organyls
• Wurtz synthesis
• Organometallic compounds

Necessary accessories

• Precision balance 620g/0.001g