Lithium aluminum hydride powder is a combustible solid that forms monoclinic crystals. In its pure form, it appears as odorless white or gray crystals, although the presence of aluminum impurities can impart a grayish hue. The compound is stable below 120°C in dry air but tends to turn gray upon prolonged exposure to air due to its hygroscopic nature, meaning it readily absorbs moisture from the environment. LAH has a density of 0.917 g/cm³ and melts at 190°C, decomposing upon melting. It is highly soluble in solvents such as diethyl ether and tetrahydrofuran (THF), with solubilities of approximately 30 g/100g and 13 g/100g, respectively, at 25°C. Additionally, it is soluble in dimethylcellosolve, sparingly soluble in dibutylether, and slightly soluble in dioxane.
One of the most notable chemical properties of LAH is its reactivity with water and alcohols, which results in the release of hydrogen gas. This reaction is highly exothermic and can be dangerous if not handled properly. The reaction with water can be represented by the equation: LiAlH₄ + 4H₂O → LiOH + Al(OH)₃ + 4H₂↑. This reactivity underscores the need for strict safety measures when working with LAH powder.
Business Process
Q1:Do you manufacture the LAH or source from other manufacturers? If so, which ones & from where?
A1:We are the manufacturer, our boss is also the shareholder of our factory.
Q2:How long have you been in business & what is your main export? What is your yearly sales volume?
A2: We will show you a few business cases. Furthermore, if you have a officioal & professional list for your "qualified supplier", pls send to me, I will transfer to our QC colleague and they will fill our info. in it.
(1)Australia
Product: Chemical
Total Price:$169,500usd
Attachment: B1,B1-1
(2)Canada
Product: Chemical Equipment
Total Price:$7,030usd
Attachment: B2,B2-1
(3)USA
Product: Chemical
Total Price:$16,360usd
Website: https://exelapharma.com/
Attachment: B3,B3-1,B3-2
(4)Saudi Arabia
Product: Chemical
Total Price:$10,761usd
Website: https://www.aramco.com/
Attachment: B4,B4-1(1),B4-1(2),B4-2
Q3:I've read you restructured in the last few years - why & how so?
A3:Oh, this is our company organization and share holders changed, it is nothing to do with business.
We have two companies to do international trading, BLOOM TECH and ACHIEVE CHEM, details below:
(1)Chemicals
https://www.bloomtechz.com/
(2)Chemical Equipment
https://www.achievechem.com/
Attachment: Business lincese, ISO 9001
Q4:Why do you require payment in full prior to shipping? This isn't typical DDP practice.
A4:(1)We have many kinds of chemicals on sale, if a hot sale chemicals with many buyers, we can prepare some in the local place for sale.
(2)This chemcial is not so many buyers, it is a dangerous goods, high cost of shipping and storing, so we only do one-for-one wholesale.=
(3)Full payment, Fincial Dept. will arrange the order, it is not a negotiable option of business.
As same as you buy a life goods, pay and tajke your goods away, sincerely appreciate your understanding...
(4)In addition, we also can ship it in the name of real name, we have complete documents and certificate for this dangerous goods, we would rether to do this model...
Q5:We are still interested in doing business, we will require doing a smaller test order which we will pay in full beforehand. I'm sure you understand.
A5:OK, no problem. COA, MSDS attached.
Quotation
Applications
Organic Synthesis
Lithium aluminum hydride powder is widely recognized as a powerful reducing agent in organic chemistry. It is capable of reducing a broad range of functional groups, including esters, carboxylic acids, acyl chlorides, aldehydes, epoxides, and ketones, converting them into their corresponding alcohols. Furthermore, LAH can transform amides, nitro compounds, nitriles, imines, oximes, and azides into amines. Its ability to reduce primary alkyl halides to alkanes and its limited reactivity with simple alkenes and benzene rings make it a versatile tool in synthetic organic chemistry.
The use of LAH in organic synthesis often involves dissolving it in diethyl ether or THF to form a solution, which is then added to the reaction mixture. After the reduction is complete, an aqueous workup is typically performed to remove inorganic by-products. Despite its reactivity, which poses handling challenges, LAH is still used at the small-industrial scale, although for large-scale reductions, related reagents like sodium bis(2-methoxyethoxy)aluminium hydride (Red-Al) are often preferred.
Hydrogen Storage
Another promising application of lithium aluminum hydride powder is in hydrogen storage. LAH exhibits high gravimetric and volumetric hydrogen densities, making it an attractive candidate for storing hydrogen gas, which is a clean and renewable energy source. However, LAH does not form directly by hydrogenation at reasonable hydrogen pressures, necessitating the development of new routes to regenerate the material from its dehydrogenated products, lithium hydride (LiH) and aluminum (Al). Researchers are actively exploring methods to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of LAH-based hydrogen storage systems.
Other Applications
In addition to its roles in organic synthesis and hydrogen storage, LAH powder finds applications in various other fields. It is used as a polymerization catalyst in the production of polymers and as a component in jet engine fuels due to its high energy content. LAH is also employed in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, perfumes, pesticides, and dyes, where its reducing properties are utilized to modify chemical structures and improve product properties.
Safety Considerations
Working with lithium aluminum hydride powder requires strict adherence to safety protocols due to its highly reactive and corrosive nature. LAH is highly corrosive to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes, and contact with moisture can result in the formation of lithium hydroxide, which can cause severe burns. Powdered LAH can also form dusts that pose an inhalation hazard, leading to respiratory issues if inhaled. Ingestion of LAH can cause muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, unconsciousness, and may even be fatal due to the formation of gas embolisms from the released hydrogen gas.
To ensure safe handling of LAH powder, it is essential to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, protective clothing, eye protection, and face shields. Work should be conducted in a well-ventilated area or under a fume hood to prevent the accumulation of hydrogen gas. LAH should be stored in a cool, dry place away from moisture, acids, and other reactive substances. In case of spills or leaks, appropriate containment and cleanup procedures should be followed, and the affected area should be thoroughly ventilated.
Lithium aluminum hydride powder is a versatile and powerful chemical compound with a wide range of applications in organic synthesis, hydrogen storage, and other fields. Its unique properties, such as high reactivity and solubility in various solvents, make it an indispensable tool in many chemical processes. However, the reactive and corrosive nature of LAH necessitates strict safety measures to prevent accidents and injuries. By understanding its properties, applications, and safety considerations, researchers and industrial chemists can harness the full potential of lithium aluminum hydride powder while ensuring a safe working environment.