Abstract

Sullivan, Edward A. (Morton International). Hydrides may be divided into two groups: simple and complex. The simple or binary hydrides may be ionic, covalent, or interstitial as are most of the transition metal hydrides. The important properties, methods of manufacture, safe handling, and important uses of the commercial binary hydrides and certain hydrogen storage alloys are reviewed. Alkali metal, alkaline-earth, and Group 4, 5, 13, and 14 hydrides find use in a variety of industries among which are the electronics, pulp and paper, dyeing, and clay industries.

The most important complex hydrides are the borohydrides and alumino-hydrides. The important alkali metal salts of these hydrides are described. Complex hydrides are used principally in the synthesis of organic compounds effecting specific and nonspecific reductions. Alkoxyborohydrides, cyanoborohydride, acyloxyborohydrides, and alkoxy-aluminohydrides, are also discussed.