Naalh4
Sodium aluminum hydride, also known as sodium tetrahydridoaluminate, is a white crystalline solid with the chemical formula NaAlH4. It is a powerful reducing agent and is commonly used in organic chemistry for the reduction of carbonyl compounds to alcohols.
NaAlH4 has a tetrahedral structure, with sodium cations (Na+) occupying the tetrahedral voids between aluminum tetrahedra (AlH4^-). The AlH4^- anions act as hydride donors, providing the reducing power of the compound.
NaAlH4 is highly reactive and must be handled with care. It can react violently with water, releasing hydrogen gas, and should be stored and handled under an inert atmosphere, such as nitrogen or argon. NaAlH4 decomposes at temperatures above 150°C, and its decomposition can be explosive if it occurs too rapidly.
Overall, NaAlH4 is an important compound in the field of organic chemistry due to its strong reducing properties, but its reactivity requires careful handling and storage.