Chemetall´s Lithium activities were started in 1923 with the production of Lithium metal and salts, such as the chloride, hydrides, bromide and many others, in different forms and specifications. Chemetall GmbH began the production of organolithiums in the early 1970´s. Initially butyllithium was used only in the production of synthetic rubber but its use has now been expanded into the manufacture of thermoplastics. Today, there is a rapid growth in the use of a broad range of organolithium compounds in the pharmaceutical industry. Organic synthesis became more and more the focus of our development in marketing, sales and R&D.
 
Other Lithium compounds, e.g. special Lithium alkyls and Lithium hydrides, were added and finally Chemetall became the first producer of Lithium aluminum hydride worldwide. The specific know-how in manufacturing, handling and using air and moisture sensitive reagents was also the basis for the successful diversification into reactive derivatives of other alkali and alkaline earth metals (e.g. sodium alkoxides, organomagnesium compounds).

Nowadays, a broad variety of versatile reagents is offered to the pharmaceutical industry for the synthesis of sophisticated products such as natural substances and drug intermediates. Custom reactions, especially with lithium aluminum hydride and other organometallic reagents, also can be performed. For these purposes, multifunctional production lines with different reactor capacities are available.
 
Today, Chemetall´s product line comprises more than 80 different commercially available Lithium compounds as well as custom tailored products. Chemetall´s European plant is located in Langelsheim/Germany (see picture).

The combination of know-how, technical competence and customer service certified according to ISO 9001 makes Chemetall the number one partner for Lithium chemistry worldwide.