Abstract
The 60-year history of sodium diisopropylamide (NaDA) is described herein. We review various preparations, solvent-dependent stabilities, and solution structures. Synthetic applications of NaDA reported to date are framed by a mechanism-driven approach, emphasizing selectivities when appropriate. We conclude with examples beyond metalation in which NaDA plays a central role and a few thoughts on where future applications could be focused.