SodiumHydrogen

SodiumHydrogen, commonly known as sodium hydride, is an inorganic binary hydride with the chemical formula NaH. It forms a white to grayish crystalline solid that is a strong base and a source of hydride in various chemical reactions. Structurally, it is an ionic compound consisting of Na+ cations and H− anions in a crystal lattice.

SodiumHydrogen is prepared by direct reaction of sodium metal with hydrogen gas at elevated temperature and pressure: 2 Na + H2 → 2 NaH. It is typically supplied as a powder or granules and is highly reactive with moisture and oxygen; it is generally stored under dry, inert conditions or in mineral oil. The compound is poorly soluble in common organic solvents and reacts vigorously with water and alcohols to release hydrogen gas, forming NaOH or alkoxides.

In organic synthesis, SodiumHydrogen serves as a strong, non-nucleophilic base. It is used to deprotonate weak acids and to generate organosodium reagents such as alkoxides and acetylides. It can act as a hydride donor in certain transformations and is commonly used in ether or THF solvents.

Safety: SodiumHydrogen is corrosive and reactive; contact with water or moist air liberates hydrogen gas and heat, which can pose a fire or explosion risk in oxidizing environments. It should be handled with appropriate PPE and stored under oil or in a dry, inert atmosphere. Spills should be quenched cautiously under controlled conditions.