Title: Lithium Amide
CAS Registry Number: 7782-89-0
Additional Names: Lithamide
Molecular Formula: H2LiN
Molecular Weight: 22.96
Percent Composition: H 8.78%, Li 30.23%, N 61.00%
Line Formula: LiNH2
Literature References: Prepd from Li + NH3: Titherley, J. Chem. Soc. 65, 517 (1894); Ruff, Geisel Ber. 39, 840 (1906); 44, 505 (1911); Campbell et al., Proc. Indiana Acad. Sci. 50, 123 (1940); Schenk in Handbook of Preparative Inorganic Chemistry vol. 1, G. Brauer, Ed. (Academic Press, New York, 2nd ed., 1963) p 463. See also Inorg. Synth. 2, 135. Crystal structure: Juza, Opp, Z. Anorg. Allg. Chem. 266, 313 (1951).
Properties: Tetragonal crystal structure, d 1.18. mp 380-400°. Sublimes in NH3 current. When heated in vacuo to 450°, NH3 is given off and Li2NH forms, which dec ~750-800°. Heat of formation: 42 kcal/mole at 18° and 760 mm Hg. Stable in air-tight containers at room temp. Dec by water to form LiOH + NH3, slowly when in lumps, faster as the particle size decreases. Insol in anhydr ether, benzene, toluene.
Melting point: mp 380-400°
Density: d 1.18
Use: In Claisen condensations, alkylation of nitriles and ketones, synthesis of ethynyl compds, acetylenic carbinols. |