"Discover Lithium Aluminum Hydride (LAH, CAS 16853-85-3), a highly reactive and versatile reducing agent widely used in pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, and materials science. Learn its key properties, safety guidelines, and industrial applications."
-Deshangchemical
In the expansive and intricate realm of organic synthesis and fine chemical production, lithium aluminum hydride (LAH, CAS 16853-85-3) stands out as one of the most powerful and widely used reducing agents. Renowned for its exceptional ability to reduce a broad spectrum of functional groups, lithium aluminum hydride has become indispensable in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and the manufacture of specialty chemicals. Its unparalleled reducing power makes it the reagent of choice for chemists aiming for high efficiency in converting esters, carboxylic acids, amides, nitriles, aldehydes, and ketones into corresponding alcohols or amines. This capability not only facilitates complex synthetic pathways but also ensures precision and reliability in chemical reactions, cementing LAH’s position as a cornerstone of modern organic chemistry.
What is Lithium Aluminum Hydride (LAH)?
Lithium aluminum hydride (CAS 16853-85-3 LAH), with the chemical formula LiAlH₄, is an inorganic compound that appears as a white or grayish crystalline powder. Its strong reactivity and high affinity for moisture demand careful handling and specialized storage conditions. As a powerful hydride donor, LAH is widely used in both laboratory and industrial synthesis, where it consistently delivers high performance in complex reduction reactions.
Chemical Name: Lithium Aluminum Hydride
CAS Number: 16853-85-3
Molecular Formula: LiAlH₄
Appearance: White to gray crystalline solid
Key Property: Strong reducing agent, highly reactive with water and protic solvents.
Safety and Handling
Because of its vigorous reactivity, lithium aluminum hydride CAS 16853-85-3 must be handled under strict safety protocols. Contact with moisture or water leads to the release of flammable hydrogen gas and heat, which can cause fire or explosion hazards.
Storage: Keep LAH in airtight containers under inert gases like nitrogen or argon, in cool and dry conditions.
Handling: Perform all operations in a moisture-free environment, using anhydrous solvents such as diethyl ether or tetrahydrofuran (THF).
Personal Protection: Protective gloves, goggles, and good ventilation are essential to minimize exposure.
Reactivity: Avoid contact with water, alcohols, or oxidizing agents at all times.
Applications of Lithium Aluminum Hydride
Lithium aluminum hydride CAS 16853-85-3 LAH is valued for its versatility and exceptional reducing capacity, making it a fundamental reagent in many industries:
Pharmaceutical Industry: LAH is crucial for reducing esters and acids to primary alcohols in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), vitamins, hormones, and other medicinal compounds.
Fine and Specialty Chemicals: Used for the preparation of alcohols, amines, and complex molecules found in fragrances, flavors, and high-value additives. It also facilitates the reduction of amides and nitriles to primary amines, a vital step in agrochemical and dye production.
Polymer and Material Science: Applied in reducing specialty resins and polymer intermediates, enabling the development of advanced materials with superior performance.
Key Advantages of LAH (CAS 16853-85-3)
Unmatched Reducing Power: Capable of reducing even challenging functional groups beyond the scope of mild agents.
Versatility: Widely used across pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and fine chemical production.
High Yield and Purity: Delivers clean reductions with minimal by-products when used under controlled conditions.
Market Outlook
The demand for lithium aluminum hydride CAS 16853-85-3 LAH continues to grow, driven by the need for precision synthesis in pharmaceuticals, advanced materials, and fine chemicals. As innovation in organic chemistry accelerates, LAH remains at the forefront as a critical reagent enabling efficient, high-yield chemical transformations.
Lithium aluminum hydride is a high-performance reducing agent that has become an essential tool in modern organic synthesis. Despite requiring careful handling due to its reactivity, its unmatched reducing power, reliability, and versatility make it indispensable in pharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals, and materials science. As industries continue to prioritize innovation and efficiency, lithium aluminum hydride CAS 16853-85-3 LAH will remain a cornerstone reagent for creating advanced compounds and materials.
