Lithium Aluminium Hydride Formula
It is prepared by the reaction of lithium hydride with aluminium chloride together for small industry scales as given below –
\( 4LiH + AlCL_3 \to LiALH_4 + 3LiCL \)
For the industrial preparation of a molecule, you should follow two steps majorly. One, the reaction of sodium and Al atoms with hydrogen atoms under high temperature or pressure conditions. During the second step, allow the product to exchange the metal ions (cations and anions) to release the final product.
What is Lithium Aluminium Hydride?
Lithium aluminium hydride is an inorganic compound that is majorly used as the reducing agent. The chemical formula for the molecule is LAH or \( LiAlH_4 \) with a molecular weight of 37.95 g/mol.
Lithium Aluminium Hydride Structure
The chemical structure of the molecule is also given below that is made up of one lithium cation, one aluminium hydride anion where aluminium is connected four hydrogen atoms ahead.
Lithium Aluminium Hydride Molecular
This is an odorless molecule with white or grey color. The hydride is a white crystalline solid with a density of 0.97 g/mL and a melting point of 150 degrees Celsius approximately. This is also available commercially as a dispersion for mineral oil and helps to prevent the violent reaction of the molecule with the atmospheric moisture.
This molecule is not stable and hard to find in a pure state. It decomposes quickly to lithium and aluminium products that were used as the reactants earlier. This is true that \( LAH \) is a strong base and a wonderful reducing agent too. This is soluble in ether and an organic solvent as per the requirements.