hydridize

Hydridize is a term used in chemistry to describe the process of introducing a hydride ion (H⁻) into a molecule. A hydride ion is essentially a hydrogen atom that has gained an electron, giving it a negative charge. This is in contrast to a proton, which is a hydrogen atom that has lost its electron and carries a positive charge. Hydride ions are strong reducing agents and nucleophiles, meaning they readily donate electrons and are attracted to positively charged centers in other molecules.

Common reagents that deliver hydride ions include metal hydrides such as lithium aluminum hydride (LiAlH₄) and sodium borohydride (NaBH₄). These compounds are widely used in organic synthesis to reduce various functional groups. For example, carbonyl groups (like those in aldehydes and ketones) can be reduced to alcohols by the addition of a hydride ion. The mechanism typically involves the hydride ion attacking the electrophilic carbon atom of the carbonyl group, followed by protonation to form the alcohol.

The term "hydridize" can also refer to the process of forming metal hydrides, which are compounds where hydrogen is bonded to a metal. These compounds have diverse applications, including hydrogen storage, catalysis, and as reducing agents. The nature of the metal-hydrogen bond in metal hydrides can vary, influencing their reactivity and properties. In some cases, the hydrogen atom can be considered to have anionic character, thus fitting the definition of hydridization.