Benzyl potassium
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| Names | |
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| Other names
Potassium benzyl
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| Identifiers | |
3D model (JSmol)
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| ChemSpider | |
PubChem CID
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CompTox Dashboard (EPA)
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| Properties | |
| C7H7K | |
| Molar mass | 130.231 g·mol−1 |
| Appearance | Orange solid |
| Hazards | |
| Occupational safety and health (OHS/OSH): | |
Main hazards
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Ignites in air |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Benzylpotassium is an organopotassium compound with the formula C6H5CH2K, an orange powder. Like organo-alkali metal reagents in general, benzyl potassium is highly reactive, so much so that it reacts with most solvents. It is highly air sensitive.
Synthesis
One early synthesis proceeds by two-step transmetallation reaction by p-tolylpotassium:[1]
- (CH3C6H4)2Hg + 2 K → 2 CH3C6H4K + Hg
- CH3C6H4K → KCH2C6H5
A modern synthesis involves the reaction of butyllithium, potassium tert-butoxide, and toluene.[2]
The structure of the related diphenylmethane derivative has been confirmed by X-ray crystallography.[3]
References
- ^ Gilman, Henry; Pacevitz, Henry A; Baine, Ogden (1940). "Benzylalkali Compounds1". Journal of the American Chemical Society. 62 (6): 1514. doi:10.1021/ja01863a054.
- ^ Lochmann, L; Trekoval, J (1987). "Lithium-potassium exchange in alkyllithium/potassium t-pentoxide systems". Journal of Organometallic Chemistry. 326: 1. doi:10.1016/0022-328X(87)80117-1.
- ^ Schumann, Herbert; Freckmann, Dominique M. M.; Dechert, Sebastian (2006). "Organometallic Compounds of the Lanthanides. 179. Synthesis and Structural Characterization of a Mixed Alkyl (Benzhydryl, Trimethylsilylmethyl) Lutetium Complex". Organometallics. 25 (10): 2696–2699. doi:10.1021/om0601201.