Lithium borohydride
Synonym: Lithium hydroborate, Lithium tetrahydroborate
CAS Number 16949-15-8 | MDL Number MFCD00011088 | EC Number 241-021-7
Lithium borohydride, also known as lithium hydroborate or lithium tetrahydroborate, is a solid, white powder with the molecular formula LiBH₄ and a molecular weight of 21.78 g/mol. This compound is a highly reactive hydride commonly used as a reducing agent in organic and inorganic chemistry. It has a purity level of 95%, determined by titration, and is widely employed in various chemical processes due to its strong reducing properties.
The compound is highly sensitive to moisture and must be stored in dry, air-tight conditions to prevent decomposition. Lithium borohydride can react violently with water, releasing hydrogen gas and potentially leading to hazardous situations. Proper storage in sealed containers and handling under an inert atmosphere, such as nitrogen or argon, are critical for maintaining its stability.
Lithium borohydride is commonly used in organic synthesis, particularly in the reduction of esters, amides, and carboxylic acids to alcohols. It is also used in the production of hydrogen storage materials, due to its ability to release hydrogen upon decomposition. In addition, it serves as a reagent in fuel cell technologies and in the preparation of boron-containing compounds in advanced material synthesis.
The compound is hazardous and requires strict safety precautions during handling. It is classified as highly flammable (H260) and can cause severe burns and eye damage (H314, H318). Lithium borohydride is also toxic if inhaled (H331) or ingested (H301), and can cause respiratory irritation (H335). Appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves, goggles, and respirators, should be used when working with this substance. Adequate ventilation and precautions against moisture exposure are also necessary to prevent hazardous reactions.
Lithium borohydride is a versatile and reactive compound with significant applications in chemical synthesis and energy storage. However, its sensitivity to moisture and hazardous nature require careful handling and storage to ensure safety during use.
Lithium borohydride is a strong reducing agent. In mixtures of methanol and diethyl ether, it is able to reduce esters to alcohols and primary amides to amines. Due to its higher chemoselectivity, the usage of this product is particularly advantageous in some preparations. LiBH4 is commonly used to reduce aldehydes, ketones esters, lactones, and epoxides. One more application of this product is the preparation of other borohydrides. See links below
Ereztech manufactures and sells this product in small and bulk volumes. Glass ampules, bottles or metal ampules or bubblers are available for packaging. For additional analytical information or details about purchasing LI9158 contact us at sales@ereztech.com
Safety information
| UN | 1413 |
| Hazardous class | 4.3 |
| Packing group | I |
| Pictograms |     |
| Signal word | DANGER |
| Hazard statements | H260-H301-H311-H314-H318-H331-H335 |
| Precautionary statements | P223-P231 + P232-P260-P261-P264-P270-P271-P280-P301 + P310-P301 + P330 + P331-P302 + P352-P303 + P361 + P353-P304 + P340-P305 + P351 + P338-P310-P335 + P334-P361-P363-P370 + P378 |
| Transport description | Lithium borohydride |
| In TSCA registry | Yes |
First Aid Measures
| General advice | Consult a physician. Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance. Move out of the dangerous area. |
| Eye contact | Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician. |
| Skin contact | Wash off with soap and plenty of water. Consult a physician. |
| Inhalation | If breathed in, move person into the fresh air. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. Consult a physician. |
| If swallowed | Do NOT induce vomiting. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Rinse mouth with water. Consult a physician. |
Certificates of Analysis (CoA)
If you don’t see the needed lot of Lithium borohydride below please contact customer support at sales@ereztech.com
Lot# 1243/R/Msk/30/719 Lot# 12R1Msk20620 Lot# 12RMsk32721
External identifiers for Lithium hydroborate
| Pubchem CID | 4148881 |
| IUPAC Name | lithium boranuide |
| SMILES | [Li+].[BH4-] |
| InchI Identifier | InChI=1S/BH4.Li/h1H4;/q-1;+1 |
| InchI Key | UUKMSDRCXNLYOO-UHFFFAOYSA-N |
Known applications and external links
- Barrett, Anthony G.M. (1991). “Reduction of Carboxylic Acid Derivatives to Alcohols, Ethers and Amines”. In Trost, Barry; Fleming, Ian; Schreiber, Stuart (eds.). Reduction: Selectivity, Strategy & Efficiency in Modern Organic Chemistry (1st ed.). Newyork: Pergamon Press. p. 244.
- Ookawa, Atsuhiro; Soai, Kenso (1986). “Mixed solvents containing methanol as useful reaction media for unique chemoselective reductions within lithium borohydride”. The Journal of Organic Chemistry. 51 (21): 4000–4005.
With Lithium borohydride other customers often ask:
Ereztech synthesizes and sells additional LI-compounds.
To purchase LI9158 contact us at sales@ereztech.com
