4-Phenylbenzylidene benzylamine: A new and convenient reagent for the titration of solutions of lithium alkyls and metal amides

Abstract 4-Phenylbenzylidene benzylamine is shown to be an excellent reagent for the determination of solutions of lithium alkyls and metal amides. The azaallyl anion produced is deep blue in tetrahydrofuran, and fades to pale yellow via red when titrated with 2-butanol in xylene. The method can also be used for estimation of the dryness of the solvent. The crystalline indicator is easily prepared, stored and handled.