H

Hydride

MH or MH₂ (binary metal hydride); e.g., NaH, CaH₂, LiAlH₄
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationMH or MH₂ (binary metal hydride); e.g., NaH, CaH₂, LiAlH₄
Also Known AsMetal hydride, ionic hydride, covalent hydride, complex hydride

What is Hydride?

A compound of hydrogen with another element. Metal hydrides (e.g., NaH, CaH₂) are ionic and contain H⁻ ions. Covalent hydrides (e.g., H₂O, NH₃, CH₄) are molecular compounds. Hydrogen itself can be classified as a hydride of no other element.

Formula & Notation

MH or MH₂ (binary metal hydride); e.g., NaH, CaH₂, LiAlH₄

Other Names / Synonyms: Metal hydride, ionic hydride, covalent hydride, complex hydride

Properties & Characteristics

Hydrides are binary compounds of hydrogen with a more electropositive element. Three types: ionic hydrides (NaH, CaH₂ — contain H⁻ ions, react vigorously with water), covalent hydrides (H₂O, CH₄, NH₃ — formed by nonmetals), and metallic/interstitial hydrides (H in interstitial sites of transition metal lattices, e.g., PdH₀.₆). Complex hydrides (LiAlH₄, NaBH₄) contain complex anions ([AlH₄]⁻, [BH₄]⁻) and are powerful reducing agents.

Uses & Applications

Metal hydrides are used as hydrogen storage materials (for fuel cells), as reducing agents in organic synthesis (LiAlH₄ reduces carboxylic acids, esters, amides, nitriles to alcohols and amines; NaBH₄ reduces ketones/aldehydes), in metallurgy (thermal decomposition to deposit pure metals), and as rocket propellants.

Safety Information

LiAlH₄ reacts violently with water, protic solvents, and on contact with moisture or air, generating H₂ and Al(OH)₃ with intense heat. It is pyrophoric when finely divided. NaBH₄ is milder but still reactive with protic solvents at elevated temperature. Use dry, inert atmosphere techniques for ionic hydrides.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Hydride
Formula MH or MH₂ (binary metal hydride); e.g., NaH, CaH₂, LiAlH₄
Index All "H" terms
Synonyms Metal hydride, ionic hydride, covalent hydride, complex hydride

Frequently Asked Questions

A compound of hydrogen with another element. Metal hydrides (e.g., NaH, CaH₂) are ionic and contain H⁻ ions. Covalent hydrides (e.g., H₂O, NH₃, CH₄) are molecular compounds. Hydrogen itself can be classified as a hydride of no other element.

More "H" Terms

1-Hexanol C6H14O 2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate C6H10O3 4-Hydroxybenzaldehyde C7H6O2 Haber Process N₂ + 3H₂ ⇌ 2NH₃ | ΔH = −92 kJ/mol Hafnium Hf Half Cell Half Life Half-Cell E = E° − (RT/nF)lnQ Half-Life A(t) = A₀e^(−λt); t½ = ln2/λ Half-Reaction Halide X⁻ (e.g., F⁻, Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻) Halogen F₂, Cl₂, Br₂, I₂, At; Group 17; ns²np⁵ valence configuration
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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.

AllChemicals.info — The Online Chemical Glossary | https://allchemicals.info/chemical/486-hydride

For educational purposes only. Verify all information before use.