Li in ammonia? A classic organic chem reducing set up. I used it a couple
of times as a chem undergrad doing an organic chem research project in
1978. The NH3 did require dry ice/acetone (about -40) bath temps. Chem nerd
trivia. At what temp do the C and F scales meet? -40.
It's most famous/infamous use? The Nazi method for making meth. Add Sudafed
or ephedrine to your solution of Li dissolved in NH3. Bingo meth. More
prevalent in the Midwest where NH3 is more available due to fertilizer use.
It was rather innocuous, relatively for stuff in an orgo lab of that
generation. As long as you kept the NH3 cold and liquified.