THE LITHIUM REACTOR CURRENT
INFORMATION
LITHIUM COMPOUNDS TAKE ON NEW IMPORTANCE AS CATALYSTS Lithium compounds have recently been branching out into important new commercial applications in the process industries with the utilization of their unique properties as catalysts for the manufacture of a wide range of products. In many cases, the use of lithium or lithium compounds results in reduced costs, faster processing, unique products, a n d / o r the elimination of undesirable side-effects. Synthetic Rubber: Several companies have recently announced the construction of new plants for the manufacture of polyisoprene synthetic rubber. This type fcis-1,4 polyisoprene) is strikingly similar in structure and properties to natural rubber, and surpasses the natural product in a number of respects. Some of these new plants will use lithium catalysts, such as n-butyllithium, in their processes, since these catalysts favor the formation of the necessary cis-1,4 structure. Ethylene Polymerization: Lithium aluminum organic compounds have been found useful as catalysts for the low pressure polymerization of ethylene to polymers ranging from butène to wax solids. Ester Interchanges: A number of lithium compounds, such as lithium hydride, lithium hydroxide, lithium carbonate, lithium formate, lithium acetate, lithium 2-ethylhexoate, and lithium metal itself have been described as preferred catalysts for ester interchange reactions, such as the reactions between fats and oils and mono- or polyhydric alcohols. Lithium formate, acetate, and 2-ethyl hexoate were found to exhibit superior properties as catalysts for alkyd resin manufacture. Antihistamine Manufacture: Allied to these applications is the use of lithium amide as a condensing agent for amines and alkyl or aryl halides. An outstanding example is its use in the manufacture of antihistamines, where it is preferred for its stability, ease of handling, higher yields and shorter reaction periods.
ON
LITHIUM
LCA Dispersions in New Solid Form Provide Greater Convenience and Safety With the development of lithium dispersions in paraffin wax, LCA provides a new degree of convenience and safety in handling and using this increasingly important metal. For laboratory use these solid dispersions are available in one inch-diameter rod form; larger shapes can be supplied for production runs. The metal content of this product is 30% by weight, and approximately 42% by volume, with an average particle size of 10-20 microns.
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L I T H I U M IN BRIEF
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New developments involving lithium are constantly appearing in the literature. Each month some will be mentioned briefly here. # Alkylene dilithium compounds can be prepared by grinding granular lithium in the presence of alkylene dihalide in hydrocarbon solvent to get di-Li-alkylene (propylene or longer). (3453)
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New LCA dispersions in rod form can be cut in open air to the amount desired.
Poly-p-Li-styrene can be obtained from poly-halostyrene by reaction with Li or RLi. The macromolecular compound is very reactive and may be used for preparing numerous polystyrene derivatives. (3497) (3645)
• Chloranilic acid is used as a reagent in the paper chromatography of alkali and alkaline earths. The test is sensitive to 0.5 microgram of lithium. (3612) Generally good yields of gamma-keto acids can be obtained by the reaction of lithium salts of ketones with alpha-halo acids. (3502) The corrosion of Type 304 stainless steel by molten lithium was studied at 8001500°F in closed systems. (3616)
• Synthesis of some colchicine derivatives involved bromination by reacting LiBr with tosylate, acylation of malonates with m-methoxybenzoyl chloride and LiNH 2> and reaction of Li-di-t-butyl3,4.5-trimethoxybenzylmalonate with mixed anhydride. (3566)
• Polymerization of conjugated diolefins can be achieved with a catalyst comprising metallic Li dispersed in a crystalline salt. (3483) . For further information, write our Technical Service Department, Bessemer City, N.C.
Charging reaction flask with measured amount of solid dispersion. Solid-form dispersions are less susceptible to reactions with air and water than dispersions in oil. The rods may be readily cut to any amount desired in open air. Dispersions in oil have the disadvantage of segregating in storage, requiring re-mixing, while dispersions in petrolatum are difficult to transfer to narrow-mouth or longneck flasks. The new product overcomes these difficulties, resulting in greater convenience and safety. The new LCA solid dispersions are expected to have wide acceptance in the organo-chemical field. Chemists are invited to write to Lithium Corporation of America for full information.
LITHIUM CORPORATION OF AMERICA, INC. 5 0 0 F I F T H AVENUE NEW YORK 36, N. Y.
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CLEVELAND 14, OHIO
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NEW YORK 3 6 , Ν . Y.
CHICAGO 1, ILL.
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LOS ANGELES 36, CALIF.
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BESSEMER CITY, N.C;
