UN 1411 — Lithium aluminum hydride, ethereal
Placard: Dangerous When Wet. ERG Guide 138. Training/quick-reference only — use current ERG + SOP/SOG for incident-specific actions.
Lithium aluminum hydride, ethereal is a highly reactive and flammable substance that requires special handling and storage precautions. It is commonly used in various industrial applications, including the production of lithium-based chemicals.
Hazard overview: Lithium aluminum hydride, ethereal produces flammable gases on contact with water and may ignite on contact with water or moist air. It also reacts violently with water, producing hydrogen gas and heat.
Response guidance: In the event of a spill or leak, evacuate the area immediately and call the fire department. Use dry chemical, dry sand, or dry graphite to extinguish fires, and avoid using water, foam, or CO2.
UN 1411 Quick Details
Common Hazards of UN 1411
- Produce flammable gases on contact with water.
- May ignite on contact with water or moist air.
- Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water.
- May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
- May re-ignite after fire is extinguished.
- Some are transported in highly flammable liquids.
- Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.
- Inhalation or contact with vapors, substance or decomposition products may cause severe injury or
Chemical Identity & Physical Properties
Lithium aluminum hydride, ethereal is a clear to pale yellow solution of lithium aluminum hydride dissolved in diethyl ether or other ethers with a pungent ether odor.
| Also known as | Lithium aluminum hydride ether solutionLAH in etherLithium tetrahydridoaluminate etherealLiAlH4 ethereal solution |
| CAS Number | 16853-85-3 |
| Appearance | Clear to pale yellow solution of lithium aluminum hydride dissolved in diethyl ether or other ethers. Pungent ether odor. Liquid at room temperature. |
| Flash Point | -45C (-49F) due to ether solvent |
| Boiling Point | 35C (95F) for diethyl ether component |
| Vapor Density | 2.6 (heavier than air) due to ether vapors |
| Water Reactivity | Reacts violently with water producing hydrogen gas and heat; ignition likely on contact with moisture |
Fireground Response Guidance — UN 1411
Extinguishing Media
PPE Requirements
Wear Level B minimum personal protective equipment (PPE) in well-ventilated areas, and Level A for large spills or confined spaces. SCBA required, and fire-resistant suit for fire involvement.
Isolation & Evacuation
First Actions for a UN 1411 Incident
- Keep unauthorized personnel away.
- Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.
- Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.
- Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters
- Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet).
📋 Copy & Share Field Card
UN 1411 — Lithium aluminum hydride, etherealUse for: Quick radio or face-to-face size-up. Short, structured, field-ready.
Use for: Incident command briefing, staging area whiteboard, or pre-entry team brief.
Use for: Quick text to command or incoming units. Fits in a single SMS.