Description

Isobutyllithium is a highly reactive organolithium compound widely used as a powerful base and nucleophile in synthetic organic chemistry. Its primary value lies in its ability to initiate anionic polymerizations and perform efficient deprotonations for the generation of carbanions. This makes it an essential reagent for manufacturers and R&D chemists in the pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and advanced polymer industries. Isobutyllithium CAS NO 920-36-5 is typically supplied as a solution in hydrocarbon solvents for safe handling and precise metering.

Application

• Polymerization Initiator: A key catalyst for the anionic polymerization of dienes (e.g., butadiene, isoprene) and styrenics to produce synthetic rubbers, thermoplastic elastomers, and block copolymers.
• Pharmaceutical Intermediate Synthesis: Employed in the formation of carbon-carbon bonds and the generation of complex molecular scaffolds through directed metalation reactions.
• Agrochemical Active Ingredient Production: Used in the synthesis of herbicides, fungicides, and other crop protection agents requiring specific lithium-organic intermediates.
• Fine Chemical and Specialty Material Manufacturing: Facilitates the synthesis of ligands, organic electronic materials, and other high-value specialty chemicals.
• Lithiation Reactions: Effective for the directed ortho-metalation of aromatic compounds and the deprotonation of weak carbon acids.
• Research & Development: A staple reagent in academic and industrial R&D laboratories for exploring new synthetic methodologies and compound libraries.

Basic Information

Product Name	Isobutyllithium
CAS No.	920-36-5
Molecular Formula	C4H9Li
Molecular Weight	64.06 g/mol
Synonyms	Isobutyl lithium; 2-Methylpropyllithium; Lithium isobutyl; (2-Methylpropyl)lithium; sec-Butyllithium (common misnomer, but distinct); i-BuLi; i-Bu-Li; Iso-BuLi
EINECS	213-056-5

Quality Control

Our Isobutyllithium solutions are manufactured under stringent quality control protocols to ensure batch-to-batch consistency and reliability. Each lot is analyzed to confirm concentration, purity, and the absence of deleterious impurities. Certificates of Analysis (COA) detailing assay results (typically by titration), solvent content, and impurity profiles are provided with every shipment. We adhere to cGMP principles where applicable to support our customers in regulated industries.

Storage

Preserve in a tightly closed container, protected from light. Store under an inert atmosphere (argon or nitrogen) in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from heat, sparks, and open flames. Due to its pyrophoric and moisture-sensitive nature, the solution must be kept sealed under positive pressure of inert gas. Recommended storage temperature is typically between 2°C and 25°C, depending on the specific solvent formulation and concentration.

Specification

Item	Specification
Appearance	Clear, colorless to slightly yellow solution
Concentration	Typically 1.0M to 2.5M in specified hydrocarbons (e.g., cyclohexane, hexanes)
Assay (Titration)	≥ 95.0% (of stated concentration)
Identification (IR)	Conforms to structure
Solvent Content (GC)	Balance
Impurities (GC, NMR)	Contact for details

Note: Specifications can be tailored. Please contact us for the detailed technical data sheet of a specific grade.