Safety complex hydrides

In this section, we will explore the safety properties of a specific set of complex hydrides, sodium alanates. These materials represent the most advanced solid-state hydrogen system developed to date and allow us to understand the safety properties associated with this class of materials. 

Of a series of lithium hydrocuprates Li CuH +i (n = 1-5), only the title compound (when solvated with THF) appeared a more powerful reducant than lithium tetrahydroaluminate. Safety precautions similar to those adopted for the complex aluminium hydride seem appropriate. 

If we do not wish to store oxygen, the metal-hydride solution is a competitive solution which offers better safety than pressurized storage, particularly in stationary applications where there is no problem of weight. However, this comes at the cost of increased complexity. 

One of the standard methods for preparing enantiomerically pure compounds is the enantioselective hydrogenation of olefins, a,/3-unsaturated amino acids (esters, amides), a,/3-unsaturated carboxylic acid esters, enol esters, enamides, /3- and y-keto esters etc. catalyzed by chiral cationic rhodium, ruthenium and iridium complexes ". In isotope chemistry, it has only been exploited for the synthesis of e.p. natural and nonnatural H-, C-, C-, and F-labeled a-amino acids and small peptides from TV-protected a-(acylamino)acrylates or cinnamates and unsaturated peptides, respectively (Figure 11.9). This methodology has seen only hmited use, perhaps because of perceived radiation safety issues with the use of hydrogenation procedures on radioactive substrates. Also, versatile alternatives are available, including enantioselective metal hydride/tritide reductions, chiral auxiliary-controlled and biochemical procedures (see this chapter. Sections 11.2.2 and 11.3 and Chapter 12). 

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