Sodium hydride

Sodium hydride Synonyms: SODIUM HYDRIDE;SODIUM HYDRIDE DISPERSION;NAH 80;nah80;Sodium hydride (NaH);sodiumhydride(nah);sodiumhydride[nah];sodiummonohydride

CAS: 7646-69-7

MF: HNa

MW: 24

EINECS: 231-587-3

Chemical Properties Grey solid

General Description A silvery to whitish powder or slurry in oil. Used to make other chemicals.

Air & Water Reactions Highly flammable. Ignites or explodes in contact with air of high humidity [Bretherick 1979 p. 107]. Reacts violently with water producing a caustic solution (NaOH) and hydrogen (H2). Heat of reaction may ignite the hydrogen.

Reactivity Profile Sodium hydride is a powerful reducing agent. Attacks SiO2 in glass. Ignites on contact with gaseous F2, Cl2, Br2, and I2 (the last at temperatures exceeding 100°C), especially in the presence of moisture, to form HF, HCl, HBr, and HI [Mellor 2:483 1946-47]. Reacts with sulfur to give Na2S and H2S [Bretherick 1979 p. 107]. Can react explosively with dimethyl sulfoxide [Chem. Eng. News 44(24):7 1966]. Reacts vigorously with acetylene, even at -60°C [Mellor 2:483 1946-47]. Spontaneously flammable in fluorine. Reaction with dimethylformamide, when heated, runs away [Chem. Eng. News, 1982, 60(28), 5]. Initiates a polymerization reaction in ethyl-2,2,3-trifluoropropionate such that the ester decomposed violently [Bretherick 5th ed. 1995]. Presence in the reaction of diethyl succinate and ethyl trifluoroacetate, has twice caused explosions [Chem. Brit., 1983, 19, 645].

Health Hazard SOLID: Will burn skin and eyes. Harmful if swallowed.

Fire Hazard FLAMMABLE. MAY EXPLODE ON CONTACT WITH WATER. Accidental contact with water used to extinguish surrounding fire will result in the release of hydrogen gas and possible explosion.