lithium aluminum hydride: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “lithium aluminum hydride” mean?
A powerful inorganic reducing agent with the chemical formula LiAlH₄, used to reduce carbonyl groups and other functional groups in organic synthesis.
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Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A powerful inorganic reducing agent with the chemical formula LiAlH₄, used to reduce carbonyl groups and other functional groups in organic synthesis.
A pyrophoric, white or grey solid compound that reacts violently with water and protic solvents, requiring careful handling under anhydrous conditions. It is a key reagent in laboratory and industrial chemistry for the conversion of esters, carboxylic acids, ketones, and aldehydes to alcohols.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The primary difference is the spelling of the second element: 'lithium aluminium hydride' (UK/IUPAC) vs. 'lithium aluminum hydride' (US). Pronunciation of 'aluminium/aluminum' also differs.
Connotations
No difference in connotation. The choice signals regional or institutional spelling conventions (e.g., IUPAC vs. common US usage).
Frequency
Equally frequent within their respective regional technical discourses.
Grammar
How to Use “lithium aluminum hydride” in a Sentence
[Substance] is reduced by lithium aluminum hydride.Lithium aluminum hydride reduces [carbonyl compound] to [alcohol].The reaction of [ester] with lithium aluminum hydride yields [diol].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “lithium aluminum hydride” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The ester was lithioaluminium hydrided to give the primary alcohol.
- We need to lithium aluminium hydride this ketone.
American English
- The ketone was lithium aluminum hydrided under nitrogen.
- They plan to lithium aluminum hydride the carboxylic acid.
adjective
British English
- The lithium-aluminium-hydride reduction proceeded cleanly.
- A lithium aluminium hydride solution in THF was used.
American English
- The lithium-aluminum-hydride reagent was titrated.
- Follow standard lithium aluminum hydride safety procedures.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in procurement or safety documentation for chemical suppliers.
Academic
Core term in advanced organic chemistry textbooks, research papers, and laboratory manuals.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Standard term in synthetic organic chemistry, process chemistry, and materials science. Discussed in the context of reaction mechanisms, safety protocols, and stoichiometry.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “lithium aluminum hydride”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “lithium aluminum hydride”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “lithium aluminum hydride”
- Mispronouncing 'hydride' as /ˈhaɪdərɪd/ instead of /ˈhaɪdraɪd/.
- Using 'aluminum' in a UK/IUPAC context or vice-versa inconsistently.
- Omitting necessary safety descriptors like 'anhydrous' or 'pyrophoric'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are distinct compounds. Lithium hydride (LiH) is simpler and less commonly used as a reducing agent in organic synthesis compared to the more versatile LiAlH₄.
The element itself has two standard spellings: 'aluminium' (UK/IUPAC) and 'aluminum' (US). The compound name follows this regional convention.
It means the solid can ignite spontaneously when exposed to air, requiring storage and handling under an inert atmosphere like nitrogen or argon.
No, it is selective. It readily reduces polar double bonds like C=O (carbonyls) and C≡N (nitriles), but generally does not reduce non-polar carbon-carbon double bonds (alkenes).
A powerful inorganic reducing agent with the chemical formula LiAlH₄, used to reduce carbonyl groups and other functional groups in organic synthesis.
Lithium aluminum hydride is usually technical/scientific in register.
Lithium aluminum hydride: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɪθiəm ˌæljʊˈmɪniəm ˈhaɪdraɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɪθiəm əˈluːmɪnəm ˈhaɪdraɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Lithium Aluminium Hydride Lets Alcohols Happen' (LAH) – it's a key reagent for making alcohols from other compounds.
Conceptual Metaphor
A chemical 'delivery truck' for hydrogen atoms, transferring them to target molecules.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary safety concern when handling lithium aluminum hydride?