A monomeric methyllithium complex: synthesis and structure.

Methyllithium (MeLi) is the parent archetypal organolithium complex. MeLi exists as aggregates in solutions and solid states. Monomeric MeLi is postulated as a highly reactive intermediate and plays a vital role in understanding MeLi-mediated reactions but has not been isolated. Herein, we report the synthesis and structure of the first monomeric MeLi complex enabled by a new hexadentate neutral amine ligand.