Sodium hydride

Sodium hydride (CAS 7646-69-7), commonly abbreviated as NaH, is a strong inorganic base used in chemical synthesis and industrial processing.

Where is Sodium hydride used?

• Pharmaceutical synthesis: deprotonating agent for N- and O-alkylation of active pharmaceutical ingredient precursors
• Polymer and rubber production: initiator for anionic polymerization and synthesis of flame-retardant intermediates
• Biotechnology and fine chemical workflows: generation of reactive carbanions and enolates in multi-step synthetic routes
• Catalyst precursor in reactions requiring a highly reactive, non-nucleophilic base
• It enables alkylation, condensation, and cyclization reactions that require highly basic conditions.

Good to know: These steps are often difficult to achieve with milder bases. The 60% NaH concentration is the standard commercial form that balances handling safety with reactivity.

Commercial specifications

• 60% NaH concentration
• Pure, dry NaH for solvent-free conditions
• Technical grade; packaging from small quantities to bulk drums