“…The nonclassical structure of monomeric Li 2 C 2 was initially predicted by Apeloig et al, [3] while the structure of the aggregate was determined by an X-ray diffraction powder pattern. [6,7] Despite their importance, the investigation of organolithium compounds in solution is difficult because their reactivity often varies with solvent, temperature, and the presence of additives like, for example, HMPA (hexamethylphosphoramide). [6,7] Despite their importance, the investigation of organolithium compounds in solution is difficult because their reactivity often varies with solvent, temperature, and the presence of additives like, for example, HMPA (hexamethylphosphoramide).…”