Sodium aluminum hydride

54

52.99480

237-400-1

2835

DTXSID1051696

White crystalline material

0

0.33750

1.24 g/cm³

178 °C

-10 °C

Soluble in tetrahydrofuran, dimethyl "Cellosolve"

water-free area

Oral-Mouse LD50: 740 mg/kg

Hydrogen is combustible when exposed to water or humid air

...Violently explosive when they come into contact with water. /Aluminum alkyls/

Stable in dry air but sensitive to moisture.|Strong reducing agent (from table)

Highly flammable. Does not react in dry air at room temperature. Very sensitive to moisture. Ignites or explodes on contact with water or moist air [NSC Nat. Safety News 77(2):37-40 1958]. Reacts with water to form sodium hydroxide, a corrosive material and hydrogen, a flammable gas. The heat of reaction may be sufficient to ignite the hydrogen.

Metal Hydrides, Metal Alkyls, Metal Aryls, and Silanes

Strong Reducing Agent

SODIUM ALUMINUM HYDRIDE is a strong reducing agent. Similar in reactivity to lithium aluminum hydride. May react violently with oxidizing agents. An explosion occurred during its preparation from sodium and aluminum in a medium of tetrahydrofuran [Chem. Eng. News 39(40):57 1961]. At elevated temperatures, the hydride reduces carbon dioxide or sodium hydrogen carbonate to methane and ethane. These gases are the explosive products formed when CO2 extinguishers have been used during hydride fires. 1:1 complexes with ether or dimethylamine and various tetrazoles are explosive. Tetrazoles include, 2-methyl, 2-ethyl, 5-ethyl, 2-methyl-5-vinyl, 5-amino-2-ethyl, etc. [US Pat. 3 396 170, 1968].

II

4.3

UN 2835 4.3/PG 2

1

14/15-22-34-19-15-11-40-36/37/38

26-36/37/39-43-45-7/8-33-16-36/37

BD0180000

F,C,Xn

The warehouse is ventilated at low temperature and dry; stored separately from oxidants, halogens and strong acids

It can explode when exposed to water or humid air

Less sensitive than trialkylaminums to oxidation upon exposure to air. /Alkylaluminum halides/

P210-P231 + P232-P280-P370 + P378-P402 + P404-P403 + P235

H225-H261-H302-H314-H335-H351

Aluminum compounds are treated under anhydrous conditions to prevent violent reactions, recover solvent, and form Al compounds suitable for landfill by reaction with anhydrous hydrolysis agent, eg calcium hydroxide. /Aluminum compounds/|SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational exposure or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic, and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

... In contact with oxidizing agents and water forms caustic and irritant compound.|Strong reducing agent, strong water reactive substance: Extremely reactive: Do not mix with any chemical or waste material (from table).|Reacts violently with tetrahydrofuran whren heated.|May ignite and explode on contact with water.|For more Hazardous Reactivities and Incompatibilities (Complete) data for SODIUM ALUMINUM HYDRIDE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 138 [Substances - Water-Reactive (Emitting Flammable Gases)]: Produce flammable gases on contact with water. May ignite on contact with water or moist air. Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water. May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames. May re-ignite after fire is extinguished. Some are transported in highly flammable liquids. Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard. (ERG, 2016)|Flammable - 3rd degree, Reactive - 3rd degree

|Danger|H260 (41.54%): In contact with water releases flammable gases which may ignite spontaneously [Danger Substances and mixtures which in contact with water, emit flammable gases]|P223, P231+P232, P260, P264, P270, P280, P301+P312, P301+P330+P331, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P310, P321, P330, P335+P334, P363, P370+P378, P402+P404, P405, and P501|Aggregated GHS information provided by 65 companies from 4 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 138 [Substances - Water-Reactive (Emitting Flammable Gases)]: As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. SPILL: Increase, in the downwind direction, as necessary, the isolation distance shown above. FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2016)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 138 [Substances - Water-Reactive (Emitting Flammable Gases)]: ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames in immediate area). Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. DO NOT GET WATER on spilled substance or inside containers. SMALL SPILL: Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain. Dike for later disposal; do not apply water unless directed to do so. POWDER SPILL: Cover powder spill with plastic sheet or tarp to minimize spreading and keep powder dry. DO NOT CLEAN-UP OR DISPOSE OF, EXCEPT UNDER SUPERVISION OF A SPECIALIST. (ERG, 2016)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 138 [Substances - Water-Reactive (Emitting Flammable Gases)]: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer. It may provide little or no thermal protection. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides limited protection in fire situations ONLY; it is not effective in spill situations where direct contact with the substance is possible. (ERG, 2016)|Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact. /Aluminum (soluble salts and alkyls, as Al/|Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact. /Aluminum (soluble salts and alkyls, as Al)/|Protective clothing and a high standard of training in the necessary precautionary measures are essential for the handling of the materials. /Aluminum alkyls/

Severe fire ... risk in contact with oxidizing agents and water ... .|When heated or on contact with moisture or acids an exothermic reaction evolving hydrogen occurs. Often enough heat is evolved to cause ignition. /Hydrides/|Certain polymerization catalysts, such as aluminum alkyls, react & burn violently on contact with water. /Aluminum alkyls/|Aluminum alkyls are organic aluminum compounds that are highly reactive and dangerous because of spontaneous burning in air. /Aluminum alkyls/|Prophoric material in flammable solvent. Vapors are heavier than air & may travel to a source of ignition & flash back. /Aluminum alkyls/

Severe ... explosion risk in contact with oxidizing agents and water ... .|During synthesis from its elements in tetrahydrofuran, a violent explosion occurred when absorption of hydrogen had stopped. This was attributed to deposition of solid above the liquid level, overheating and reaction with solvent to give butoxyaluminum hydrides. Vigorous stirring and avoiding overheating are essential.|... Hydrides can form dust clouds which can explode due to contact with flames, sparks, heat or oxidizers. /Hydrides/|...Violently explosive when they come into contact with water. /Aluminum alkyls/

If material involved in fire: Do not use water. Use graphite, soda ash or powdered sodium chloride.|Stop flow of liquid before extinguishing fire. Use dry chemical or carbon dioxide. DO NOT use water as straight stream directly on spilled material. Water fog can be used to control fire. DO NOT use halogenated extinguishing agents on spilled material. Violent reaction may result. Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool. Fight fire from protected location or maximum possible distance. /Aluminum Alkyls/

If material not on fire and not involved in fire: Do not use water. Keep sparks, flames, and other sources of ignition away. Keep material out of water sources and sewers. Keep material dry. Do not attempt to sweep up dry material.|Personnel protection: Avoid breathing dusts, and fumes from burning material. ... Do not handle broken packages unless wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. Wash away any material which may have contacted the body with copious amounts of water or soap and water.|SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses in industry is conflicting. The benefit or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.|Work clothing that becomes wet or significantly contaminated should be removed and replaced. /Aluminum (soluble salts and alkyls, as Al)/|For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for SODIUM ALUMINUM HYDRIDE (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

/GUIDE 138: SUBSTANCES - WATER-REACTIVE (Emitting Flammable Gases)/ Fire or Explosion: Produce flammable gases on contact with water. May ignite on contact with water or moist air. Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water. May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames. May re-ignite after fire is extinguished. Some are transported in highly flammable liquids. Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.|/GUIDE 138: SUBSTANCES - WATER-REACTIVE (Emitting Flammable Gases)/ Health: Inhalation or contact with vapors, substance or decomposition products may cause severe injury or death. May produce corrosive solutions on contact with water. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control may cause pollution.|/GUIDE 138: SUBSTANCES - WATER-REACTIVE (Emitting Flammable Gases)/ Public Safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number on Shipping Paper first. If Shipping Paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover. As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Keep out of low areas. Ventilate the area before entry.|/GUIDE 138: SUBSTANCES - WATER-REACTIVE (Emitting Flammable Gases)/ Protective Clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer. It may provide little or no thermal protection. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides limited protection in fire situations ONLY; it is not effective in spill situations where direct contact with the substance is possible.|For more DOT Emergency Guidelines (Complete) data for SODIUM ALUMINUM HYDRIDE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic principles for transporting hazardous chemicals. Detailed recommendations for individual substances and a number of recommendations for good practice are included in the classes dealing with such substances. A general index of technical names has also been compiled. This index should always be consulted when attempting to locate the appropriate procedures to be used when shipping any substance or article.|The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations are published by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board pursuant to IATA Resolutions 618 and 619 and constitute a manual of industry carrier regulations to be followed by all IATA Member airlines when transporting hazardous materials.|No person may /transport,/ offer or accept a hazardous material for transportation in commerce unless that person is registered in conformance ... and the hazardous material is properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled, and in condition for shipment as required or authorized by ... /the hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR 171-177)./

The hydrides of ... aluminum ... react with moisture ... and leave behind hydroxide ... the hydrides of ... sodium ... in the presence of moisture are readily converted to hydroxides which are highly irritating to the skin by caustic & thermal action. Similar effects can occur on contact with eyes and resp mucous membranes. /Hydrides/|/Aluminum (dust or powder)/ may cause minor irritation to lungs & eyes. /Aluminum powder, uncoated/|Irritation of the eyes has been noted in patients who have been exposed /to aluminum alkyls/. /Aluminum alkyls/|May cause minor irritation to lungs or eyes. /Aluminum (dust or powder)/

Recommended Exposure Limit: 10-Hr Time-Weighted Avg: 10 mg/cu m (total). /Aluminum/|Recommended Exposure Limit: 10 Hr Time-Weighted Avg: 5 mg/cu m (resp). /Aluminum/|Recommended Exposure Limit: 10 Hr Time-Weighted Avg: 2 mg/cu m. /Aluminum (soluble salts and alkyls, as Al)/|Recommended Exposure Limit: 10 Hr Time-Weighted Avg: 5 mg/cu m. /Aluminum (pyro powders and welding fumes, as Al)/

D003; A waste containing Sodium aluminum hydride may (or may not) be characterized a hazardous waste following testing for the reactivity characteristics as prescribed by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulations.

D003; A solid waste containing Sodium aluminum hydride may become characterized as a hazardous waste when subjected to testing for reactivity as stipulated in 40 CFR 261.23, and if so characterized, must be managed as a hazardous waste.

moderately toxic

Excerpt from ERG Guide 138 [Substances - Water-Reactive (Emitting Flammable Gases)]: Inhalation or contact with vapors, substance or decomposition products may cause severe injury or death. May produce corrosive solutions on contact with water. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control may cause pollution. (ERG, 2016)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 138 [Substances - Water-Reactive (Emitting Flammable Gases)]: Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved and take precautions to protect themselves. Move victim to fresh air. Call 911 or emergency medical service. Give artificial respiration if victim is not breathing. Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. In case of contact with substance, wipe from skin immediately; flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes. Keep victim calm and warm. (ERG, 2016)

NaAlH4

Aluminate(1-), tetrahydro-, sodium (1:1), (T-4)-: ACTIVE|PMN - indicates a commenced PMN (Pre-Manufacture Notices) substance.|Sodium aluminum hydride is supplied as a laboratory reagent by Ethyl Corporation; however, it has not yet been produced on an industrial scale.|Sodium aluminum hydride was marketed in the 1960s and early 1970s, and has become available again in quantity in the 1990s, but ... has not become widely used.

Fire Hazards -> Flammable - 3rd degree, Reactive - 3rd degree