Lithium intercalation via -Butyllithium of the layered transition metal dichalcogenides

n-Butyllithium in hexane solution serves as an excellent reagent to effect the intercalation of lithium into the Group IVb and Vb layered dichalcogenides. Under mild conditions, highly crystalline, uncontaminated stoichiometric products are afforded. In addition, the course of the reaction can be monitored by titration of aliquots of the supernatant.