Catalytic synthesis of lithium hydride under mild conditions

A catalyst composed of titanium tetrachloride and naphthalene or its methyl derivatives with very high activity was found for the synthesis of LiH. Metallic lithium can be quantitatively hydrogenated to lithium hydride at 25–50°C under atmospheric pressure within 2–5 h according to various catalyst compositions. The catalyst stability was investigated and the relationship between catalyst compositions and reaction controlling step was established also.