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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.

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First Claim