Chemical & Physical Properties
- Appearance: Grayish-white to off-white crystalline powder
- Melting Point: 125°C (decomposes)
- Density: 0.97 g/cm³
- Solubility: Reacts violently with water; soluble in ether solvents (e.g., THF, diethyl ether)
- Decomposition Products: Lithium hydroxide (LiOH), aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)₃), and hydrogen gas (H₂)
Key Features & Benefits
✅ Powerful Reducing Agent: Reduces a wide range of carbonyl compounds, nitriles, and epoxides
✅ Essential in Pharmaceutical Synthesis: Used in the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs)
✅ High Reactivity for Industrial Applications: Enables rapid and selective reduction reactions
✅ Hydrogen Source: Used in hydrogen storage and energy applications
✅ Reliable & High Purity: Available in various purities for laboratory and industrial-scale use
Industrial Applications
Organic Synthesis & Pharmaceuticals
- Reduction of Carbonyl Compounds: Converts aldehydes, ketones, esters, and carboxylic acids to their corresponding alcohols.
- Reduction of Nitriles & Imines: Produces primary and secondary amines, essential in pharmaceutical and fine chemical industries.
- Hydride Transfer Reactions: Used in asymmetric synthesis and specialty organic transformations.
Energy & Hydrogen Storage
- Hydrogen Generation: LiAlH₄ releases hydrogen upon reaction with water, making it valuable in hydrogen storage and fuel cell research.
- Battery & Fuel Cell Applications: Investigated as an energy-dense hydrogen carrier for next-generation energy solutions.
Aerospace & Material Science
- High-Energy Material Production: Used in the synthesis of advanced propellants and energetic materials.
- Metallurgical Processing: Plays a role in metal hydride production and lightweight metal refining.
Reactivity & Safety Considerations
⚠️ Highly Reactive & Flammable!
- Water Sensitivity: Reacts violently with water, releasing hydrogen gas, which poses a fire and explosion hazard.
- Air Sensitivity: Can ignite spontaneously in moist air. Must be handled in a dry, inert atmosphere.
- Handling Precautions:
- Use under anhydrous conditions, in a fume hood with protective gear.
- Avoid exposure to moisture or oxidizing agents.
Handling & Storage
- Storage Conditions:
- Store in tightly sealed, moisture-free containers under an inert gas (argon or nitrogen).
- Keep in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area away from oxidizers and water.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, fire-resistant clothing.
- Use non-sparking tools to avoid ignition hazards.
- First Aid Measures:
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately; seek medical attention.
- Skin Contact: Brush off dry powder, rinse with copious amounts of water, and seek medical care.
- Fire Risk: Extinguish using Class D dry powder extinguishers; do NOT use water or CO₂ extinguishers.
Packaging & Availability
Available in:
- 1kg sealed moisture-proof cylinder
- Bulk packaging available for industrial applications
Custom specifications of different complex solutions available upon request.
Lithium Aluminium Hydride (LiAlH₄), commonly known as LAH, is a powerful and widely used reducing agent in organic and inorganic chemistry. It appears as a grayish-white to off-white crystalline powder and is highly reactive, particularly with water, releasing hydrogen gas. Due to its strong reducing properties, LiAlH₄ is extensively applied in pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, and high-energy material production.
