Production of organolithium compounds and lithium hydride

摘要

A catalytic system is provided for the lithiation of alpha -olefins and alpha , omega -diolefins with concurrent production of lithium hydride. The catalysts include oxygen and sulfur containing organic compounds and polycyclic aromatics which can be combined with alkali metals and/or transition metal compounds. High yields of pure and stereospecific lithiated olefins are obtainable.