A process for the preparation of alkyllithium compounds including 2-alkyl-substituted alkyllithium compounds by reacting in a liquid organic solvent, in an inert atmosphere a C.sub.2 to C.sub.18 saturated, acyclic, primary alkyl halide including 2-alkyl-substituted alkyl halides with a dispersion of particulate lithium and sodium metals in which there is 5 to 50 mole percent sodium based on the lithium content at a temperature of 0.degree. to a temperature up to but not exceeding the decomposition temperature of the product.