Abstract: A low temperature method of preparing finely divided lithium amide. A mixture is first formed of bulk pieces of lithium metal with a catalyst such as active metallic cobalt in an inert liquid aromatic hydrocarbon, such as toluene, at about 0.degree. C. to about -60.degree. C. Anhydrous liquid ammonia is then added, aided by stirring, the lithium metal dissolving, two immiscible phases forming, one a so-called lithium-ammonia bronze solution being the top phase, and the toluene being the bottom phase. The formation of the lithium amide is then effected by raising the temperature under conditions of stirring, hydrogen and excess ammonia being liberated and the lithium amide, generally light grey in color, is formed which separates out in a very finely divided solid state, as a slurry in the toluene, and is recovered.

Abstract: Stable diorganomagnesiums are prepared which are soluble in acyclic liquid hydrocarbons and represent novel and highly useful compositions. They are prepared, for instance, by forming a mixture of magnesium metal powder in an acyclic liquid hydrocarbon to which are added a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 n-alkyl halide, such as n-butyl chloride, and a n-alkyl halide containing at least 6 carbon atoms, such as n-octyl chloride, and effecting reaction to convert them to their corresponding dialkylmagnesiums. Then, a secondary or tertiary organolithium compound, such as sec- or tert-butyllithium, is added, in the form of a solution in an acyclic liquid hydrocarbon, and the byproduct halide salts which were formed and are present in the reaction mixture are separated from the resulting stable solution of the diorganomagnesium complex by filtration or by equivalent separation procedures.

Abstract: Continuous process and apparatus for the preparation of normally liquid telomers derived from the reaction of a liquid telogen, such as toluene, with a polymerizable monomeric taxogen in gaseous form, such as 1,3-butadiene monomer, in the presence of an organometal telomerization initiator, such as a mixture or complex of n-butyllithium and potassium t-butoxide, wherein a controlled stream of the gaseous taxogen is continuously passed through fine apertures, as in a screen, into the liquid telogen containing said initiator disposed in a reaction zone in a reaction chamber, whereby to produce the normally liquid telomer, and, thereafter said telomer is continuously passed through a conduit into an additional reaction zone or zones and reacted in similar manner with additional gaseous taxogen until the desired concentration of liquid telomer is produced.

Abstract: Recirculation process and apparatus for the preparation of normally liquid telomers derived from the reaction of a gaseous taxogen with a solution in a liquid telogen, such as toluene, of an organometal telomerization initiator, such as a mixture or complex of n-butyllithium and potassium t-butoxide, in a container, wherein a controlled stream of the gaseous taxogen is continuously passed through fine apertures, as in a screen, into the liquid telogen solution of said initiator while said telogen solution is passed from said container through a reaction zone in a reaction chamber, whereby to produce the normally liquid telomer, and, thereafter, said liquid telomer is continuously returned to commingle with the solution in the container of said telogen and initiator, and continuously recirculating the contents of said container into said reaction zone for further reaction with said gaseous taxogen until the desired concentration of liquid telomer is produced.

Abstract: Preparation of stable solutions of aluminum hydride in liquid hydrocarbons such as benzene or toluene by a one-step reaction between, for instance, 1 mole of aluminum chloride with 3 moles of lithium hydride in said liquid hydrocarbon medium and in the presence of a weak ether base such as dimethyl ether, an aliphatic tertiary amine such as trimethylamine being added.

Abstract: Production of building bricks utilizing as an ingredient thereof, advantageously in substantial or in major proportion of brick-forming compositions or mixtures of ingredients, ore residues obtained from the extraction of lithium values from beta-spodumene. The said residues so utilized result from a process in which beta-spodumene is subjected to a sulfuric acid roast, the lithium values are then extracted from the acid-roast product by an aqueous extraction liquid, followed by neutralization with lime or limestone, and separation of the formed lithium sulfate by filtration, leaving the ore residues which are then utilized in admixture with other ingredients to produce bricks possessing excellent strength and other desirable properties.