Lithium hydride (LiH)-Powder

Characteristic

Lithium hydride is an inorganic compound with the formula LiH. This alkali metal hydride is a colorless solid, although commercial samples are grey. Characteristic of a salt-like (ionic) hydride, it has a high melting point, and it is not soluble but reactive with all organic and protic solvents. It is soluble and nonreactive with certain molten salts such as lithium fluoride, lithium borohydride, and sodium hydride. With a molecular mass of slightly less than 8.0, it is the lightest ionic compound.

Chemical formula:LiH

Molar mass:7.95 g/mol

Appearance:colorless to gray solid

Density:0.78 g/cm3

Melting point:688.7 °C (1,271.7 °F; 961.9 K)

Boiling point:900–1,000 °C (1,650–1,830 °F; 1,170–1,270 K) (decomposes)

Solubility in water:reacts

Solubility:slightly soluble in dimethylformamide;reacts with ammonia, diethyl ether, ethanol

Magnetic susceptibility (χ):−4.6·10⁻⁶ cm³/mol

Refractive index (nD):1.9847

Crystal structure:fcc (NaCl-type)

Application

Used for preparation of anhydrous Li salts of carboxylic acids prior to reaction with organothium reagents (most often methyl or phenyl) as a useful route to ketones. Also used in the preparation of LiCN by reaction with acetone cyanohydrins. It is also applied as a desiccating and condensing agent and a shielding material in nuclear energy production. It is used in the manufacture of catalysts for polyolefin plastics; in fuels for aircraft, missiles. It is used in metallurgy, as degasifier, deoxidizer, desulfurizer; as grain refiner in non-ferrous metals. Employed as a chemical intermediate for butyllithium polymerization catalyst; in alloys with aluminum or magnesium for aerospace uses.