LAH Wodorek litowo-glinowy (LiAlH₄)

Lithium Aluminium Hydride (LAH)
Other Names: Lithium tetrahydridoaluminate, LiAlH₄

CAS Number: 16853-85-3
EC Number: 240-877-9
Chemical Formula: LiAlH₄
Molar Mass: 37.95 g/mol
Appearance: White to grey crystalline powder (often grey due to impurities)

Lithium aluminium hydride is a powerful and widely used reducing agent in organic synthesis, especially for the reduction of esters, carboxylic acids, aldehydes, and ketones to their corresponding alcohols. Due to its highly reactive nature, especially with moisture and protic solvents, it must be handled under strictly anhydrous conditions.

Chemical and Physical Properties

• Density: ~0.917 g/cm³

• Melting Point: Decomposes at ~125°C

• Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes)

• Solubility in Water: Reacts violently with water

• Solubility in Other Solvents: Soluble in dry ethers (e.g., diethyl ether, THF)

• Odor: Odorless, but contact with moisture produces flammable gases

Applications

• Organic Synthesis: Reduces a wide range of carbonyl compounds to alcohols

• Industrial Chemistry: Used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and specialty chemicals

• Material Science: Sometimes used in hydrogen storage research and synthesis of hydride materials

Safety

Signal Word: Danger

Handling and Storage
Store in a tightly closed container under an inert atmosphere (e.g., nitrogen or argon) in a cool, dry place. Avoid all contact with moisture and water. Use non-sparking tools and grounded equipment.