What does the 'n' stand for in n-Butyllithium?

[Iota]

I didn't want to make a thread just for this simple question, but...

 

does n signify an integer, and if so ,what for?

 

Thanks in advance.

[hypervalent_iodine]

It tells you information about which butyl isomer you have and where the Li⁺ ion is bound to; the n in n-BuLi specifically refers to the unbranched structure of butane, with the Li⁺ ion being coordinated to the first carbon. You may also have tert-BuLi, which is a stronger base than n-BuLi and uses a tert-butyl group, or sec-BuLi, though I have never seen sec-BuLi used in anything.

[Iota]

Awesome, sorted. Thanks valent.

[John Cuthber]

The n is for "normal".

[Iota]

So primary is considered 'normal'?