Lithium methanolate

UsesLithium methoxide is used in sol-gel synthesis of lithium borophosphates. It is also useful for deprotonation reactions in organic synthesis. Further, it serves as a mild base in organic synthesis especially in transesterifications.

UsesEmployed in sol-gel synthesis of lithium borophosphates.

General DescriptionLITHIUM METHOXIDE (CH3OLi) is a key intermediate product generated by the decomposition of the lithium-ion battery electrolyte during cycling. During the battery's operational lifespan, the electrolyte undergoes continuous side reactions, yielding intermediate products such as methanol, ethanol, hydrogen fluoride (HF), carbon monoxide (CO) and, notably, CH3OLi. As a highly polar intermediate, CH3OLi acts as a key catalyst in subsequent chain reactions, accelerating the generation of harmful gases such as H2, CO and CH4 [2].

PreparationLithium methoxide (3 cm3, 3mmol of 1.0M solution in methanol) was added to (11) (1.0 g, 2.8 mmol) in methanol (15 cm3) at 0 °C, with stirring, under an atmosphere of nitrogen. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 67 h, then water (20 cm3) was added and the mixture extracted into dichloromethane (DCM). The DCM solution was dried (MgS04) and evaporated giving a solid ( 1.1 g) shown to consist of 4- methoxy-3,5-difluoro-2,6-dibromopyridine (22g) ( 19% ), 2,6-dibromo-4,5-dimethoxy-3- fluoropyridine (22h) (5%), (23b) (39% by comparison with authentic sample) and (23a) (36%). Neither column chromatography (eluting DCM and petrol 7: 3) nor preparative scale GLC ( 10% SE30, 140 oC) gave adequate separation of the products. However, a carbon nmr spectrum and GCMS of a mixture of (22g) and (23b) was obtained and the carbon spectra was assigned by comparison with that of (23b ).