Cyclopentadienyllithium
Cyclopentadienyllithium (CAS 16733-97-4), with the chemical formula C5H5Li and a molecular weight of 72.03 g/mol, is a highly reactive organolithium compound. It serves as a crucial reagent in inorganic and organometallic chemistry. Its primary utility lies in the synthesis of metallocenes, such as ferrocene, and other cyclopentadienyl-containing derivatives, which are significant in catalysis and materials science.
- IUPAC
- 1,3-Cyclopentadiene lithium complex,Lithium cyclopentadienide,Lithium cyclopentadienylide
- Synonyms
- 1,3-Cyclopentadiene lithium complexLithium cyclopentadienideLithium cyclopentadienylide

Metallocene Synthesis
Cyclopentadienyllithium is a key precursor for preparing various metallocene complexes. These compounds, featuring a metal atom sandwiched between two cyclopentadienyl rings, are widely used as catalysts in olefin polymerisation and as precursors for advanced materials.
Organometallic Chemistry
This reagent is instrumental in the construction of diverse organometallic frameworks. It allows for the introduction of the cyclopentadienyl ligand, which stabilises a wide range of metal centres and enables further functionalisation.
Ligand Preparation
It acts as a source for the cyclopentadienyl anion, a versatile ligand in coordination chemistry. This anion can coordinate to numerous transition metals and main group elements, leading to compounds with varied electronic and steric properties.
| Molecular weight | 72.03 |
|---|---|
| Empirical formula | C5H5Li |
| Assay | 97% |
| Application | Useful reagent for the preparation of metallocenes and cyclopentadienyl derivatives. |

Hazard statements
- H314Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
Precautionary statements
- P280Wear protective gloves, clothing and eye/face protection
- P305IF IN EYES
- P310Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor
| Protective equipment | Eyeshields, Faceshields, full-face particle respirator type N100 (US), Gloves, respirator cartridge type N100 (US), type P1 (EN143) respirator filter, type P3 (EN 143) respirator cartridges |
|---|---|
| Transport (UN / ADR) | UN 3263 8 / PGII |
| Water hazard class (WGK, DE) | 3 |
| Hazard codes (EU) | C |
| Risk statements (R) | 34 |
| Safety statements (S) | 26-36/37/39-45 |
Hazard information is provided for guidance. Always consult the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS), available on request, before handling.
Documentation
Every batch ships with a Certificate of Analysis covering assay, identity and purity; the grade is confirmed against your enquiry. Safety Data Sheets and technical data sheets are available on request.
Supply & logistics
Samples for technical evaluation; bulk MOQ by grade and packaging. In-stock material ships in 7–10 working days, worldwide, with full export documentation.
What is Cyclopentadienyllithium used for?
+
Cyclopentadienyllithium is primarily used as a reagent in chemical synthesis for the preparation of metallocenes and other cyclopentadienyl derivatives, important in catalysis and organometallic chemistry.
What is the CAS number and chemical formula for Cyclopentadienyllithium?
+
The CAS number is 16733-97-4 and the chemical formula is C5H5Li.
What grade and purity does Tech Serve Solutions supply?
+
Tech Serve Solutions supplies Cyclopentadienyllithium with an assay of 97%. This product is intended for research and chemical synthesis purposes and is not represented as USP, BP, or EP grade.
What are the main safety hazards associated with Cyclopentadienyllithium?
+
Cyclopentadienyllithium is classified as Danger. It causes severe skin burns and eye damage (H314). Appropriate personal protective equipment, including eyeshields, face shields, and suitable gloves, must be worn when handling this highly reactive material. Ensure adequate ventilation and emergency preparedness.
How is Cyclopentadienyllithium packed, shipped, and exported?
+
As a reactive chemical, Cyclopentadienyllithium is packed and shipped according to stringent international regulations for hazardous materials (UN 3263, Class 8, Packing Group II). Tech Serve Solutions has extensive experience in exporting such chemicals globally.
How can I request a sample or a quote for Cyclopentadienyllithium?
+
To request a sample or a quotation for Cyclopentadienyllithium, please contact our sales department through the website or via email, providing your specific requirements.
▶ Related products

Benzeneruthenium(II) chloride dimer
Ru2(C6H6)2Cl4
Catalysis & Inorganic
Benzoylferrocene
C17H14FeO
Catalysis & Inorganic
Benzyldiphenylphosphine
C6H5CH2P(C6H5)2
Catalysis & Inorganic
Beryllium
Be
Catalysis & Inorganic
Beryllium oxide
BeO
Catalysis & Inorganic![Bicyclo[2.2.1]hepta-2,5-diene-rhodium(I) chloride dimer — chemical structure, CAS 12257-42-0; Catalysis & Inorganic, fine chemical supplied by Tech Serve Solutions](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpub-f4d920c906024441a773a96f7098e551.r2.dev%2Fimages%2Fproducts%2F12257-42-0.png&w=3840&q=75)
Bicyclo[2.2.1]hepta-2,5-diene-rhodium(I) chloride dimer
Catalysis & Inorganic
![Bis[(10,11-η)-5-[(11bS)-dinaphtho[2,1-d:1′,2′-f][1,3,2]dioxaphosphepin-4-yl- κP4]-5H-dibenz[b,f]azepine]rhodium(I) tetrafluorobo — chemical structure, CAS 1228149-03-8; Catalysis & Inorganic, fine chemical supplied by Tech Serve Solutions](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpub-f4d920c906024441a773a96f7098e551.r2.dev%2Fimages%2Fproducts%2F1228149-03-8.png&w=3840&q=75)
Bis[(10,11-η)-5-[(11bS)-dinaphtho[2,1-d:1′,2′-f][1,3,2]dioxaphosphepin-4-yl- κP4]-5H-dibenz[b,f]azepine]rhodium(I) tetrafluorobo
1-d:1′
Catalysis & Inorganic![Bis[(2-dimethylamino)phenyl]amine nickel(II) chloride (C16H20ClN3Ni) — chemical structure, CAS 1033772-47-2; Catalysis & Inorganic, fine chemical supplied by Tech Serve Solutions](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpub-f4d920c906024441a773a96f7098e551.r2.dev%2Fimages%2Fproducts%2F1033772-47-2.png&w=3840&q=75)
Bis[(2-dimethylamino)phenyl]amine nickel(II) chloride
C16H20ClN3Ni
Catalysis & Inorganic▶ Explore more

3-Methyl-1,5-di-p-tolyl-1,4-pentazadiene
Chemical Synthesis

3-Methyl-1,5-pentanediol
Chemical Synthesis

3-Methyl-1-(2-methylphenyl)-1H-pyrazol-5-amine
C11H13N3
Chemical Synthesis
3-Methyl-1-(3′-sulfoamidophenyl)-5-pyrazolone
C10H11N3O3S
Chemical Synthesis