Monolithium derivatives of acetonitrile and phenylacetonitrile

Abstract

The monolithium derivatives of acetonitrile and phenylacetonitrile have been prepared and isolated. LiCH2CN is tetrameric while C6H5CH(Li)CN is dimeric in dimethyl sulfoxide. Both lithium compounds are not electron deficient; association occurs by the lithium of one molecule interacting with the cyanide of an adjacent molecule. The mercury and magnesium derivatives of these compounds are also reported.