LITHIUM ALUMINUM HYDRIDE

Diamond	Hazard	Value	Description
2 3 2 W	Health	3	Can cause serious or permanent injury.
	Flammability	2	Must be moderately heated or exposed to relatively high ambient temperatures before ignition can occur.
	Instability	2	Readily undergoes violent chemical changes at elevated temperatures and pressures.
	Special	W	Reacts violently or explosively with water.

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 polymerization catalyst, as a hydrogen source, and as a propellant.

• Strong Reducing Agent
• Known Catalytic Activity
• Water-Reactive
• Air-Reactive

Reacts with water vigorously attaining incandescence and ignition of evolved hydrogen [Kelen, Cahiers, 1977, (86), 100]. Reactions with water or moist air (or heated air) are violent and may be explosive [Schmidt, D.L., et al. Inorg. Synth. 1973. p. 14, 51].

Behavior in Fire: Decomposes at 257°F to form hydrogen gas. The heat generated may cause ignition and/or explosion. (USCG, 1999)

Contact of solid with eyes and skin causes severe burns similar to those caused by caustic soda. (USCG, 1999)

LITHIUM ALUMINUM HYDRIDE is a powerful reducing agent. React violently on contact with many oxidizing agents. Ignites by friction, especially if powdered. Reacts vigorously with hydroxy compounds such as water, alcohols, carboxylic acids [Mellor 2 Supp. 2:142. 1961]. Caused a violent explosion when used to dry diethylene glycol dimethyl ether: Ignition may have been caused by heat from reaction with impurity water or perhaps decomposition of peroxides in the ether. About 75% of the ether had been removed when the explosion occurred [MCA Case History 1494. 1968]. Reduces carbon dioxide or sodium hydrogen carbonate to methane and ethane at elevated temperatures. These flammable or explosive gases can form when CO2 extinguishers are used to fight hydride fires. Forms explosive complexes with ether, dimethylamine and various tetrazoles. Tetrazoles include, 2-methyl, 2-ethyl, 5-ethyl, 2-methyl-5-vinyl, 5-amino-2-ethyl [US Pat. 3 396 170, 1968].

• Metal Hydrides, Metal Alkyls, Metal Aryls, and Silanes

No information available.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 138 [Substances - Water-Reactive (Emitting Flammable Gases)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet).

FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 138 [Substances - Water-Reactive (Emitting Flammable Gases)]:

DO NOT USE WATER OR FOAM.

SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, soda ash, lime or sand.

LARGE FIRE: DRY sand, dry chemical, soda ash or lime or withdraw from area and let fire burn. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.

FIRE INVOLVING METALS OR POWDERS (ALUMINUM, LITHIUM, MAGNESIUM, ETC.): Use dry chemical, DRY sand, sodium chloride powder, graphite powder or class D extinguishers; in addition, for Lithium you may use Lith-X® powder or copper powder. Also, see ERG Guide 170.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS, RAIL TANK CARS OR HIGHWAY TANKS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. (ERG, 2024)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 138 [Substances - Water-Reactive (Emitting Flammable Gases)]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. DO NOT GET WATER on spilled substance or inside containers.

SMALL SPILL: Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain. Dike for later disposal; do not apply water unless directed to do so.

POWDER SPILL: Cover powder spill with plastic sheet or tarp to minimize spreading and keep powder dry. DO NOT CLEAN-UP OR DISPOSE OF, EXCEPT UNDER SUPERVISION OF A SPECIALIST. (ERG, 2024)

Rubberized gloves; full face shield. (USCG, 1999)

No information available.

In case of accidental contact with the skin, wipe off excess with a dry paper towel. Wash the affected area with a large volume of water to prevent localized heating of the skin. (USCG, 1999)

• ALUMINATE(1-), TETRAHYDRO-, LITHIUM
• ALUMINUM LITHIUM HYDRIDE (LIALH4)
• ALUMINUM LITHIUM TETRAHYDRIDE
• LAH
• LITHIUM ALANATE
• LITHIUM ALUMINUM HYDRIDE
• LITHIUM ALUMINUM HYDRIDE (LIALH4)
• LITHIUM ALUMINUM TETRAHYDRIDE
• LITHIUM TETRAHYDRIDOALUMINATE
• LITHIUM TETRAHYDROALUMINATE
• LITHIUM TETRAHYDROALUMINATE (ALLIH4)
• LITHIUM TETRAHYDROALUMINATE(1-)