L

Lithium aluminium hydride

IUPAC: lithium alumanuide

LiAlH4 Laboratory Reagents CAS 16853-85-3
Expert Written | Fact Checked | Sources Cited | AllChemicals Editorial Team
Quick Reference
Formula / NotationLiAlH4
CAS Number16853-85-3
Molecular Weight38.0
Melting PointDecomposes >125 °C
Density0.917 at 59 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float
SolubilitySolubility (parts/100 parts solvent): 30 (ether); 13 (tetrahydrofuran); 10 (dimethylcellosolve); 2 (dibutyl ether); 0.1 (dioxane).
AppearanceLithium aluminum hydride appears as a white powder that turns gray on standing. If spread out over a large flat combustible surface, friction can cause ignition. Used to make other chemicals, as a ...
Also Known Aslithium alumanuide; Lithium aluminohydride; Lithium tetrahydroaluminate; Aluminum lithium hydride; Lithium alanate; LiAlD4; LiAlH4; Lithium tetrahydroaluminate(1-); Li[AlH4]; CHEBI:30142
CategoryLaboratory Reagents

What is Lithium aluminium hydride?

Lithium aluminium hydride (LiAlH4) is a laboratory reagent that appears as Lithium aluminum hydride appears as a white powder that turns gray on standing. If spread out over a large flat combustible surface, friction can cause ignition. Used to make other chemicals, as a .... It has a molecular weight of 38.0 g/mol. Its IUPAC name is lithium alumanuide. Melting point: Decomposes >125 °C.

Formula & Notation

LiAlH4

IUPAC Name: lithium alumanuide

Other Names / Synonyms: lithium alumanuide; Lithium aluminohydride; Lithium tetrahydroaluminate; Aluminum lithium hydride; Lithium alanate; LiAlD4; LiAlH4; Lithium tetrahydroaluminate(1-); Li[AlH4]; CHEBI:30142

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Lithium aluminum hydride appears as a white powder that turns gray on standing. If spread out over a large flat combustible surface, friction can cause ignition. Used to make other chemicals, as a .... Molecular formula: AlH4Li. Molecular weight: 38.0 g/mol. Melting point: Decomposes >125 °C. Density: 0.917 at 59 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float. Solubility: Solubility (parts/100 parts solvent): 30 (ether); 13 (tetrahydrofuran); 10 (dimethylcellosolve); 2 (dibutyl ether); 0.1 (dioxane)..

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting PointDecomposes >125 °C
Density0.917 at 59 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float
Molecular Weight38.0
SolubilitySolubility (parts/100 parts solvent): 30 (ether); 13 (tetrahydrofuran); 10 (dimethylcellosolve); 2 (dibutyl ether); 0.1 (dioxane).
AppearanceLithium aluminum hydride appears as a white powder that turns gray on standing. If spread out over a large flat combustible surface, friction can cause ignition. Used to make other chemicals, as a ...

Uses & Applications

Used as a synthetic reagent for transformations including oxidation, reduction, coupling, or functional group manipulation.

Safety Information

Hazardous reagent. May be toxic, corrosive, flammable, or reactive. Use in fume hood with full PPE. Consult SDS before use.

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

Key Facts

Term Lithium aluminium hydride
Formula LiAlH4
CAS Number 16853-85-3
Molecular Weight 38.0
Synonyms lithium alumanuide; Lithium aluminohydride; Lithium tetrahydroaluminate; Aluminum lithium hydride; Lithium alanate; LiAlD4; LiAlH4; Lithium tetrahydroaluminate(1-); Li[AlH4]; CHEBI:30142

Frequently Asked Questions

Lithium aluminium hydride (LiAlH4) is a laboratory reagent that appears as Lithium aluminum hydride appears as a white powder that turns gray on standing. If spread out over a large flat combustible surface, friction can cause ignition. Used to make other chemicals, as a .... It has a molecular weight of 38.0 g/mol. Its IUPAC name is lithium alumanuide. Melting point: Decomposes >125 °C.

More "L" Terms

View all "L" terms →
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
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.