What is "methyllithium"

n. (context organic compound English) The binary organometallic compound CH₃Li that is used in organic synthesis

Methyllithium is the simplest organolithium reagent with the empirical formula CHLi. This s-block organometallic compound adopts an oligomeric structure both in solution and in the solid state. This highly reactive compound, invariably used as a solution in ethers, is a reagent in organic synthesis as well as organometallic chemistry. Operations involving methyllithium require anhydrous conditions, because the compound is highly reactive toward water. Oxygen and carbon dioxide are also incompatible with MeLi. Methyllithium is usually not prepared, but purchased as a solution in various ethers.