Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026

A Protocol for Safe Lithiation Reactions Using Organolithium Reagents
Published on: November 12, 2016
Communications: The electronic spectrum of Li(NH3)4
Luigi Varriale1, Nicola M Tonge, Nitika Bhalla
1Department of Chemistry, University of Leicester, University Road, Leiceste, LE1 7RH, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
Li(NH(3))(4) has been proposed as a key entity in lithium-ammonia solutions, but its spectral signature has so far proved impossible to distinguish from other species in these solutions. Here we report the first electronic spectrum of Li(NH(3))(4) in the gas phase, which was recorded using mass-selective depletion spectroscopy. Strong absorption is observed in the near-infrared and the band system is assigned to the A (2)T(2)-X (2)A(1) transition in a nominally tetrahedral complex. However, the vibrational structure is indicative of a substantial Jahn-Teller effect in the excited electronic state. The broad and structured spectrum confirms a recent theoretical prediction that the electronic spectrum of Li(NH(3))(4) will strongly overlap with the spectrum of the solvated electron in lithium-ammonia solutions.
Related Concept Videos
Mass Spectrometry of Amines
NMR Spectroscopy Of Amines
UV–Vis Spectroscopy: Molecular Electronic Transitions
IR Frequency Region: Alkyne and Nitrile Stretching
Comparing the stretching vibrational frequency of C≡C triple bonds with that of double and single bonds, it is evident that C≡C triple bonds exhibit a higher stretching frequency than C=C double and C–C single bonds. Similarly, the C≡N triple bond exhibits higher stretching absorption than the C=N...
IR Spectrum Peak Splitting: Symmetric vs Asymmetric Vibrations
NMR Spectroscopy: Chemical Shift Overview
For instance, the proton...

