Lithium Aluminum Hydride

LiAlH₄

IUPAC: Lithium tetrahydridoaluminate

CAS: 16853-85-3

Overview

LiAlH4 (LAH) is one of the most powerful reducing agents in organic chemistry. It reduces esters, carboxylic acids, and amides that milder reagents cannot.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Hydrogen H 4 1.0080
Lithium Li 1 6.9410
Aluminum Al 1 26.9820

Elemental Composition

H
Hydrogen ×4
10.6%
Li
Lithium ×1
18.3%
Al
Aluminum ×1
71.1%

Uses

  • • Organic synthesis reducing agent
  • • Hydrogen storage research

Fun Facts

  • ✦ Can reduce almost any carbonyl compound, making it indispensable in organic synthesis

Safety

  • ⚠ Pyrophoric
  • ⚠ Reacts violently with water
  • ⚠ Fire hazard

Structure

SMILES

[Li+].[AlH4-]

Properties

Type
inorganic
State
solid
Molar Mass
37.95 g/mol
Density
0.9170 g/cm³
Melting Point
150.0 °C
Solubility
reacts

Molecular Descriptors

Exact Mass
38.0288
TPSA
0.0 Ų
H-Bond Donors
0
H-Bond Acceptors
1
Rotatable Bonds
0
Heavy Atoms
2
Complexity
0.0

Related Compounds

Aluminum Chloride

AlCl₃

Aluminum Nitride

AlN

Ammonium Persulfate

(NH₄)₂S₂O₈

Arsine

AsH₃

Barium Ferrite

BaFe₁₂O₁₉

Barium Titanate

BaTiO₃

Boron Nitride

BN

Boron Trichloride

BCl₃

Calcium Aluminate Cement

CaO·Al₂O₃

Calcium Carbide

CaC₂

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lithium Aluminum Hydride?
Lithium Aluminum Hydride (LiAlH₄) is a inorganic compound with the IUPAC name Lithium tetrahydridoaluminate.
What is the molecular weight of Lithium Aluminum Hydride?
Lithium Aluminum Hydride has a molar mass of 37.95 g/mol.
What state is Lithium Aluminum Hydride at room temperature?
Lithium Aluminum Hydride is a solid at room temperature.
Is Lithium Aluminum Hydride organic or inorganic?
Lithium Aluminum Hydride is classified as an inorganic compound.
What elements make up Lithium Aluminum Hydride?
Lithium Aluminum Hydride (LiAlH₄) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Lithium (Li), Aluminum (Al).