The C−Li bond in organolithium reagents is highly polarized. As a result, the carbon attracts most of the in the bond and resembles a carbanion. Thus, organolithium reagents are strongly basic and nucleophilic. Some of the most common applications of organolithium reagents in synthesis include their use as nucleophiles, strong bases for deprotonation, initiator for polymerization, and starting material for t.
[PDF Version]