Quick question:

Toad features is wondering, how long should THF be left to predry over NaOH before addition of Li and distillation over same? Just a small quantity (around 150ml or so) in the process of dessication over NaOH, before distillation from lithium foil.

Its just to save alkali metal really, and avoid fires (a small sample will be tested in a sample tube first before addition of Li to the main bulk of the THF before attempting distillation of course) For all he knows the THF may be pretty dry to start with, but he doesn't really want to find out it isn't, when its being added to LAH

Thanks, although I have a distinct feeling I have read that, it looks familiar.

It shall be seen, weather about 2 days drying over NaOH has been sufficient.

Noo, lugh! not quite what I meant, not what I meant.

Not solely over NaOH, you must be joking. NaOH is intended here, Simply as a pre-drying stage before more thorough drying, not to do the job itself! Assuming you are thinking that was what was planned.