DILITHIUM COMPLEXES OF BETA-DIKETONATES IN ACETONITRILE SOLVENT

Lithium acetylacetonate, sparingly soluble in pure acetonitrile solvent, dissolves to a significantly greater extent in the presence of lithium perchlorate. Spectral and electrochemical studies have quantitatively measured the solubility effect. The data support formation of a 2:1 complex of lithium ion with acetylacetonate, with weak subsequent ion-pairing of the cationic complex with perchlorate ion. Qualitative studies of other complexes reveal a similar process for sodium acetylacetonate and the lithium salt of dimedone, and the absence of 2:1 lithium association with the anion of dibenzoyl-methane. Discussion of the possible structure of these novel 2:1 complexes is included. © 1969.