Lithium aluminum hydride is a commonly used chemical compound with significant relevance to everyday life. It is a powerful reducing agent that has numerous industrial applications, particularly in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. In everyday life, lithium aluminum hydride is often used in the production of various medications, as well as in the synthesis of organic compounds. Its ability to selectively reduce carbonyl compounds makes it a valuable tool in the manufacturing of fine chemicals and pharmaceutical products. Additionally, it is also utilized in the production of certain types of batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly found in electronic devices like smartphones and laptops. Overall, the unique properties of lithium aluminum hydride make it an essential component in various aspects of modern life.
Table of Contents:
- 💡 Commercial Applications
- ⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
- 🏭 Production & Procurement
- ⚠️ Safety Considerations
- 🔬 Potential Research Directions
- 🧪 Related Compounds
💡 Commercial Applications
Lithium aluminum hydride, commonly known as LAH, has several commercial and industrial applications. One significant use is as a reducing agent in organic synthesis, assisting in the production of various chemicals such as alcohols and amines. LAH is also utilized in the purification of metals, particularly in the removal of oxygen and nitrogen impurities from aluminum and its alloys.
In the pharmaceutical industry, lithium aluminum hydride has found applications in the synthesis of certain drugs and medications. Its ability to reduce carbonyl compounds makes it valuable in the production of pharmaceutical intermediates. Additionally, LAH can be employed in the development of controlled-release formulations for drug delivery systems, enhancing the efficacy and stability of medications.
Overall, lithium aluminum hydride plays a crucial role in both commercial and industrial sectors due to its versatile reducing properties and ability to facilitate various chemical reactions. Its importance extends beyond organic synthesis to pharmaceutical applications, where it contributes to the synthesis of essential drugs and aids in the development of advanced drug delivery systems.
⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
Lithium aluminum hydride is a white, odorless solid compound at room temperature. It is highly reactive and easily decomposes upon exposure to moisture or air.
With a molar mass of approximately 37.95 g/mol and a density of 0.917 g/cm³, lithium aluminum hydride is much lighter and less dense compared to common food items such as sugar (molar mass: 342.3 g/mol, density: 1.59 g/cm³) and table salt (molar mass: 58.44 g/mol, density: 2.165 g/cm³).
The melting point of lithium aluminum hydride is around 150°C, while the boiling point is approximately 400°C. These values are significantly higher than the melting points and boiling points of common food items like butter (melting point: 32-35°C, boiling point: approximately 205°C) and chocolate (melting point: 34-38°C).
Lithium aluminum hydride is insoluble in water and has a low viscosity. This is in contrast to common food items like sugar and salt, which are highly soluble in water and have varying viscosities depending on their concentrations.
🏭 Production & Procurement
Lithium aluminum hydride, a white, crystalline powder, is primarily produced through the reaction of lithium hydride with aluminum chloride. This synthesis method yields a highly reactive compound that is commonly used as a reducing agent in organic chemistry.
Once produced, Lithium aluminum hydride is typically purified by sublimation or recrystallization to remove impurities and ensure its efficacy as a reducing agent. The compound is then packaged in airtight containers to prevent degradation due to exposure to moisture or air during transportation.
To procure Lithium aluminum hydride, laboratories and chemical suppliers typically order the compound from specialized manufacturers. The compound is classified as a hazardous material due to its reactivity with water and air, so it must be handled and transported with caution. Specialized packaging, such as sealed containers or inert gas storage, may be required for safe transportation.
⚠️ Safety Considerations
Safety considerations for Lithium aluminum hydride involve its highly reactive nature and potential for spontaneous combustion. This compound is extremely flammable and should be handled with care to prevent accidental ignition. It reacts violently with water, releasing flammable hydrogen gas and posing a risk of explosion. Proper storage in a cool, dry place away from heat sources and incompatible materials is essential to minimize the potential hazards associated with Lithium aluminum hydride.
Hazard statements for Lithium aluminum hydride include “H260: In contact with water releases flammable gases which may ignite spontaneously” and “H228: Flammable solid.” These statements indicate the potential risks of handling this compound, especially in the presence of moisture or heat sources. It is important to be aware of these hazards and take appropriate safety precautions when working with Lithium aluminum hydride to prevent accidents and ensure personal safety.
Precautionary statements for Lithium aluminum hydride include “P210: Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces” and “P231+P232: Handle under inert gas. Protect from moisture.” These statements emphasize the importance of proper storage and handling procedures to avoid potential hazards associated with this compound. It is crucial to follow these precautionary measures to minimize the risks of fire, explosion, or other dangerous situations when working with Lithium aluminum hydride.
🔬 Potential Research Directions
Research on lithium aluminum hydride (LiAlH4) has focused on exploring its potential as a hydrogen storage material for fuel cells, due to its high hydrogen content and reversible storage/release capabilities.
Further investigation is underway to enhance the efficiency of LiAlH4 by studying different catalysts, additives, and nanostructuring techniques that could improve its hydrogen storage properties and reduce the energy required for hydrogen release.
Another promising research direction is the development of novel synthesis methods for LiAlH4 that are more cost-effective, scalable, and environmentally friendly, in order to address the current challenges associated with its production on a large scale.
🧪 Related Compounds
One similar compound to lithium aluminum hydride in terms of molecular structure is sodium borohydride (NaBH4). Like lithium aluminum hydride, sodium borohydride contains a hydrogen atom bonded to a more electronegative element (boron in this case) as well as metal cations (sodium). Sodium borohydride is also a powerful reducing agent and is commonly used in organic chemistry for the reduction of various functional groups.
Another compound with a similar molecular structure to lithium aluminum hydride is calcium hydride (CaH2). Calcium hydride is composed of a hydrogen atom bonded to the metal cation calcium. Like lithium aluminum hydride, calcium hydride is also a reactive compound and can act as a source of hydrogen gas in various chemical reactions. It is commonly used in organic synthesis as a reducing agent.
Another related compound is potassium borohydride (KBH4). Similar to lithium aluminum hydride, potassium borohydride contains a hydrogen atom bonded to a boron atom in addition to a metal cation (potassium). Potassium borohydride is a milder reducing agent compared to lithium aluminum hydride, making it suitable for more delicate reduction reactions in organic chemistry.
