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lithium hydride

chemical compound

Quick Summary

Lithium hydride (LiH) is a flammable, crystalline solid that is typically bluish due to trace amounts of metallic lithium. It is synthesized by combining lithium and hydrogen at high temperatures.1

Lithium hydride serves as a key source of hydrogen and is used in creating other lithium compounds, such as lithium aluminum hydride (LiAlH4). Lithium aluminum hydride is a white, flammable solid soluble in ether and acts as a powerful reducing agent, particularly in organic chemistry for converting carboxylic acids into alcohols.12

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