Sodium Hydride (NaH) CAS 7646-69-7

Sodium Hydride (NaH) – Versatile Strong Base for Organic Synthesis and Catalysis

Basic Information

• Product Name: Sodium hydride (NaH)

• Synonyms: Sodium hydride dispersion, NaH 80, 60% in oil, dispersion in liquid paraffin

• CAS Number: 7646-69-7

• Molecular Formula: HNa

• Molecular Weight: 24.0 g/mol

• EINECS Number: 231-587-3

• Appearance: White to pale grey powder (wetted with oil) or suspension in mineral oil

• Melting Point: ~800°C (decomposes)

• Density: ~1.2 g/cm³ (in oil dispersion)

• Flash Point: 185°C (for oil dispersion)

• Solubility: Insoluble in ammonia, benzene, carbon tetrachloride, carbon disulfide, and all organic solvents; soluble in molten sodium; reacts violently with water.

• Sensitivity: Air‑ and moisture‑sensitive (pyrophoric in dry form)

• Storage: Store below +30°C, under inert atmosphere.

Overview
Sodium hydride is a strong, non‑nucleophilic base widely used in organic synthesis. It is commercially available as a grey powder or as a dispersion in mineral oil (typically 60% or 80% active) for safe handling. Its high reactivity with protic solvents and acids makes it a powerful reagent for deprotonation, condensation, alkylation, and polymerization reactions.

Applications

• Condensation and alkylation: Used to generate enolates, alkoxides, and amides; facilitates C‑C bond formation in Claisen, Dieckmann, and other condensation reactions.

• Polymerization catalyst: Initiates anionic polymerization of epoxides, lactones, and other monomers.

• Pharmaceutical synthesis: Intermediate for the production of various drugs and active pharmaceutical ingredients.

• Perfumery and fragrance: Employed in the synthesis of aroma compounds.

• Boron hydride production: Used to prepare sodium borohydride and other borohydrides.

• Metal surface treatment: Acts as a rust removal agent for metal surfaces.

• Hydrogen storage: Investigated as a potential hydrogen storage material.

Reactivity and Handling Precautions

• Sodium hydride reacts violently with water, releasing flammable hydrogen gas and heat.

• It is pyrophoric in dry form – must be handled under inert atmosphere (argon or nitrogen).

• Oil dispersions are less hazardous but still require careful handling.

• Keep away from oxidizers, acids, alcohols, and moisture.

• Use explosion‑proof equipment and proper grounding during transfer.

Storage

• Store in a cool, dry, well‑ventilated area, under inert gas, away from ignition sources.

• Keep containers tightly sealed to prevent moisture ingress and degradation.

• Classified as a flammable solid; refer to local regulations for transport and storage.

Safety

• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (flame‑resistant gloves, safety goggles, face shield, protective clothing).

• In case of skin contact, wash with soap and water; for eye contact, rinse thoroughly with water and seek medical attention.

• Do not use water to extinguish fires – use dry powder, sand, or CO₂.

• Dispose of waste according to local environmental regulations.

Packaging
Available in 100 g, 500 g, 1 kg, 5 kg containers, and larger drums. Typically supplied as a 60% or 80% dispersion in mineral oil. Custom packaging upon request.

Quality Assurance
Each batch is tested for active content, particle size distribution, and reactivity to ensure consistent performance.