Calcium hydride

Calcium hydride

Names
IUPAC name Calcium hydride
Other names Calcium(II) hydride Calcium dihydride
Identifiers
Jmol-3D images	Image
SMILES [H-].[H-].[Ca+2]
Properties
Chemical formula	CaH2
Molar mass	42.094 g/mol
Appearance	White (pure) or gray (impure) powder
Density	1.70 g/cm3
Melting point	816 °C (1,501 °F; 1,089 K)
Solubility in water	Reacts
Solubility	Reacts with alcohols, carboxylic acids Insoluble in common solvents
Thermochemistry
Std molar entropy (So298)	41.4 J·mol−1·K−1
Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfHo298)	−181.5 kJ·mol−1
Hazards
Safety data sheet	ApolloScientific
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references

Calcium hydride is the chemical compound with the formula CaH₂, widely used as a drying agent.

Properties

Chemical

Calcium hydride reacts with water to release hydrogen gas:

CaH₂ + H₂O → Ca(OH)₂ + H₂ ↑

Physical

Calcium hydride is a grey or white solid powder, insoluble in all solvents. It reacts vigorously with water and alcohols. CaH₂ has a density of 1.70 g/cm³.

Availability

CaH₂ is sold by various chemical suppliers.

Preparation

Calcium hydride can be made by reacting dry hydrogen gas with calcium metal at temperatures between 300 to 400 °C.

Projects

• Dry solvents

Handling

Safety

Calcium hydride reacts with water, releasing flammable hydrogen gas.

Storage

Calcium hydride is best stored in closed

Disposal

Reacting calcium hydride with water vapor in an open area is sufficient.

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads

• Calcium Hydride