| abstract |
A process for production of a metal hydride compound MH x , wherein x is one or two and M is an alkali metal, Be or Mg. The process comprises combining a compound of formula (R 1 O) x M with aluminum, hydrogen and at least one metal selected from among titanium, zirconium, hafnium, niobium, vanadium, tantalum and iron to produce a compound of formula MH x . R 1 is phenyl or phenyl substituted by at least one alkyl or alkoxy group. A mole ratio of aluminum to (R 1 O) x M is from 0.1:1 to 1:1. The catalyst is present at a level of at least 200 ppm based on weight of aluminum. |