The Reactions of Lithium Tetraethylaluminate with Some Halides of Group IV and VB Elements

Abstract

Halides of tin, lead, phosphorus, arsenic, antimony, and bismuth have been treated with solutions of lithium tetraethylaluminate, and alkylation of the group IV and VB elements was observed in every instance. Alkyls of the form MEt₄ (M=Sn, Pb) or MEt3 (M=P, As, Sb, or Bi) were isolated from the reaction mixtures. Side reactions, which affect the yields of these alkyls, are discussed.