On the structure of lithium 2-(1-pyrrolidyl)ethoxide with benzyllithium

The structure of benzyllithium complexed with lithium 2–(1–pyrrolidyl)ethoxide was investigated by X-ray crystallographic analyses to afford (C4H8N–CH2CH2OLi)6·(C6H5CH2Li)2 structure of a doubly capped hexagonal prism with Ci symmetry of heavily distorted structure. The crystal structure of C4H8N–CH2CH2OLi was also examined to give the distorted hexagonal prism of hexamer with S6 symmetry.

The structure of benzyllithium complexed with lithium 2-(1-pyrrolidyl)ethoxide was investigated by X-ray crystallographic analyses to afford (C4H8N-CH2CH2OLi)6 -(PhCH2Li)2 structure of a doubly capped hexagonal prism with Ci symmetry. The crystal structure of C4H8N-CH2CH2OLi was also examined to give the distorted hexagonal prism of hexamer with S6 symmetryFigure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► We established the structure of (C4H8N–CH2CH2OLi)6·(C6H5CH2Li)2 by X-ray analysis.
► The structure of (C4H8N–CH2CH2OLi)6 was also clarified to be hexagonal prism.
► In the former, (C4H8NCH2CH2OLi)6 was doubly capped by C6H5CH2Li moieties.
► (C4H8NCH2CH2OLi)6·(C6H5CH2Li)2 was found to initiate the polymerization of styrene.