Chemical Properties
WHITE POWDER
General Description
A white to grayish crystalline powder.
Reactivity Profile
LITHIUM BOROHYDRIDE(16949-15-8) is a strong reducing agent. Is easily ignited and burns vigorously once ignited. Reacts on contact with water or acids to form hydrogen gas and corrosive products. Reaction with limited amounts of water or moisture may cause ignition after a delay [Gaylord, 1965, p. 22].
Air & Water Reactions
Likely to ignite when moistened with water [Lab. Gov. Chemist 1965].
Health Hazard
Inhalation or contact with vapors, substance or decomposition products may cause severe injury or death. May produce corrosive solutions on contact with water. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control may cause pollution.
Fire Hazard
Produce flammable gases on contact with water. May ignite on contact with water or moist air. Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water. May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames. May re-ignite after fire is extinguished. Some are transported in highly flammable liquids. Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.
Purification Methods
It is crystallised from Et2O, and pumped free of ether at 90-100o during 2hours [Schaeffer et al. J Am Chem Soc 78 729 1956]. Store it dry as it decomposes slowly in moist air. [Becher in Handbook of Preparative Inorganic Chemistry (Ed. Brauer) Academic Press Vol I p 775 1963.]
