UCSF Lab Standard Operating Procedure
Chemical Process, Name or Hazard Class:
Sodium Hydride
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Hazardous Chemical
Hazardous Class
Purpose
Sodium Hydride is primarily used as a strong base in organic synthesis. NaH is widely used to promote
condensation reactions of carbonyl compounds via the Dieckmann Condensation, Stobbe Condensation,
Darzens Condensations, and Claisen Condensation. Other carbon acids susceptible to deprotonation by NaH
include sulfonium salts and Dimethyl Sulfoxide - DMSO. NaH is used to make Sulfur Vlides, which in turn are
used to convert Ketones into epoxides.
Sodium Hydride (NaH) is strong water reactive. In contact with water, it releases flammable gas (Hydrogen)
which may ignite spontaneously. Sodium hydride is sold by many chemical suppliers usually as a mixture of
60% sodium hydride (w/w) in mineral oil. Such dispersion is safer to handle and weigh than pure NaH. The
pure white solid is prepared by rinsing the oil with Pentane (a highly flammable compound) or
Tetrahydrofuran – THF (a Peroxide Forming Chemical - PFC), care being taken because the washings will
contain traces of NaH that can ignite in air. Reactions involving NaH require an inert atmosphere, such as
nitrogen or argon gas (Noble gases). Typically NaH is used as a suspension in Tetrahydrofuran, a solvent that
resists deprotonation but solvates many organo-sodium compounds.
If not handled properly, this can pose a serious threat to the health and safety of laboratory personnel,
emergency responders and chemical waste handlers. Hence, it is important to follow safety protocols to
Sodium Hydride
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Date: Click here to enter a date.
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
handle this chemical. This SOP helps to understand how to properly store, handle and dispose of sodium
hydride.
Physical & Chemical Properties/Definition of Chemical Group
CAS#
7646-69-7
Class:
Water Reactive
Molecular Formula:
HNa
Form (Physical State):
Light grey, powder
Boiling Point:
800OC
Melting point:
185OC
Potential Hazards/Toxicity
Pictogram
Potential Health Effects
Inhalation May be harmful if inhaled. May cause respiratory tract irritation.
Skin May be harmful if absorbed through skin. May cause skin irritation.
Eyes May cause eye irritation.
Ingestion May be harmful if swallowed.
Engineering Controls
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Glove Box must be used to handle Sodium hydride.
Must be stored and used under inert atmosphere/conditions.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Respirator Protection
Sodium Hydride
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
If lab personnel would like to use respirator on a voluntary basis, they must be trained and fit-tested by
EH&S. This is a regulatory requirement. (http://or.ucsf.edu/ehs/8193-DSY/version/default/part/4/data/)
Hand protection
Handling the chemical with nitrile or neoprene gloves is recommended. Consult with your preferred glove
manufacturer to ensure that the gloves you plan on using are compatible with
Eye protection
Safety goggles. Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government
standards such as NIOSH (US).
Skin and body protection
Fire/flame resistant lab coat (100% cotton based), cotton based clothing/attire, full length pants or
equivalent, and closed toe shoes.
Hygiene measures
Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing. Wash hands before breaks and immediately after handling Sodium
hydride.
First Aid Procedures
General advice
Consult a physician. Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance. Move out of dangerous area.
If inhaled
If breathed in, move person into fresh air. If not breathing give artificial respiration Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact
Wash off with soap and plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact
Flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes as a precaution.
If swallowed
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Rinse mouth with water. Consult a physician.
Special Handling and Storage Requirements
Precautions for safe handling
Sodium Hydride
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
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Avoid formation of Sodium hydride dust and aerosols
Provide appropriate exhaust ventilation at places where dust is formed.
Keep away from sources of ignition – Open flames/Bunsen Burner
Conditions for safe storage
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Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Hazard communication label on the container must read ‘Water Reactive’. W
Never allow product to get in contact with water or water based compounds during storage. Note:
Do not leave the container on the bench top even momentarily.
Do not leave the container near the lab sink, emergency eyewash and safety shower.
Do not store in humid air/moisture.
Handle and store under inert gas (Noble gases such as Nitrogen, Argon etc.)
Always handle inside a glove box.
Keep in a dry place (such as a desiccator or a dry box or glove box).
Chemical stability
Stable under recommended storage/handling conditions
Conditions to avoid
Heat, flames and sparks.
Exposure to moisture, water & water based compounds.
Materials to avoid
Alcohols, Carbon dioxide (CO2)
Hazardous decomposition products
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions. - Sodium/sodium oxides
Reacts with water to form: - Hydrogen gas
Spill and Accident Procedure
Chemical Spill Dial 9-911 from campus phone or 415-476-1414 from cell phone or 415-2068522 (SFGH only)
Spill – Assess the extent of danger. Assist contaminated or injured persons. Evacuate the spill area.
Avoid breathing vapors. If possible, confine the spill to a small area using a spill kit or absorbent
material. Keep others from entering contaminated area (e.g., use caution tape, barriers, etc.).
Small (<1 L) – If you have training, you may assist in the clean-up effort. Use appropriate personal
protective equipment and clean-up material for chemical spilled. Double bag spill waste in clear
plastic bags, label and take to the next chemical waste pick-up.
Sodium Hydride
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Date: Click here to enter a date.
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
Large (>1 L) – Dial 9-911 from campus phone or 415-476-1414 from cell phone or 415-2068522 (SFGH only) for assistance.
Chemical Spill on Body or Clothes – Remove clothing and rinse body thoroughly in emergency
shower for at least 15 minutes. If discomfort persists, proceed to the Emergency Department. If no
further discomfort is experienced, have the SDS ready and contact Poison Control Hotline at 1-800222-1222 for further exposure information. Notify your direct supervisor and EH&S at 415-4761300 during work hours, or 9-911 during non-working hours and weekends.
Chemical Splash Into Eyes – Immediately rinse eyeball and inner surface of eyelid with water for
15 minutes by forcibly holding the eye open. If discomfort persists, proceed to the Emergency
Department. If no further discomfort is experienced, have the SDS ready and contact Poison
Control Hotline at 1-800-222-1222 for further exposure information. Notify your direct
supervisor and EH&S at 415-476-1300 during work hours, or 9-911 during non-working
hours and weekends.
Medical Emergency Dial 9-911 (campus phone) or 476-6911 (cell phone)
Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S at 415-476-1300 within 8 hours.
Non-Life Threatening Emergency– Go to Occupational Health Programs (OHP) Clinic, 415-8857580, 2330 Post Street, Suite 460 Hours of Operation for Appointments: Monday - Friday
7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (except Holidays).
Note: All serious injuries must be reported to EH&S at 415-476-1300 within 8 hours.
Needle stick/puncture exposure (as applicable to chemical handling procedure) – Wash the
affected area with antiseptic soap and warm water for 15 minutes. For mucous membrane
exposure, flush the affected area for 15 minutes using an eyewash station. Page the needle stick
nurse by dialing 415-353-7842 (STIC).
Decontamination/Waste Disposal Procedure
Clean contaminated surfaces with soap and water and paper towels. Dispose of the paper towels as
hazardous waste.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Location
Online SDS can be accessed at http://or.ucsf.edu/ehs/7241-DSY/msds.html
Protocol/Procedure
Quantities covered by this SOP:
______ (g , ml) to _______ (g, ml)
Temperature range covered by this SOP:
Sodium Hydride
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Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)
__ °C – __ °C
General Overview and Purpose:
Enter the experimental purpose
Procedure:
Enter experimental procedure. You can copy procedure from your lab notebook or from literature.
NOTE
Any deviation from this SOP requires approval from the Principal Investigator.
Sodium Hydride
6
Date: Click here to enter a date.
Modified from SOP templates developed by UCLA EH&S (http://www.sop.ehs.ucla.edu/)