Sodium aluminium hydride

It is a white pyrophoric solid that dissolves in tetrahydrofuran (THF), but not in diethyl ether or hydrocarbons.

It has been evaluated as an agent for the reversible storage of hydrogen and it is used as a reagent for the chemical synthesis of organic compounds.

Similar to lithium aluminium hydride, it is a salt consisting of separated sodium cations and tetrahedral AlH−4 anions.

[1] The compound is prepared from the elements under high pressures of H2 at 200 °C using triethylaluminium catalyst:[2] As a suspension in diethyl ether, it reacts with lithium chloride to give the popular reagent lithium aluminium hydride: The compound reacts rapidly, even violently, with protic reagents, such as water, as described in this idealized equation: Sodium alanate[3] has been explored for hydrogen storage in hydrogen tanks.

[4] The relevant reactions are: Sodium tetrahydroaluminate can release up to 7.4 wt % of hydrogen when heated at 200 °C (392 °F).

NFPA 704 four-colored diamond Health 3: Short exposure could cause serious temporary or residual injury. E.g. chlorine gas Flammability 2: Must be moderately heated or exposed to relatively high ambient temperature before ignition can occur. Flash point between 38 and 93 °C (100 and 200 °F). E.g. diesel fuel Instability 0: Normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions, and is not reactive with water. E.g. liquid nitrogen Special hazard W: Reacts with water in an unusual or dangerous manner. E.g. sodium, sulfuric acid