Is the Bonding of LiAlH4 Ionic or Covalent?

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The discussion centers on the bonding characteristics of lithium aluminum hydride (LiAlH4). Participants debate whether the bonding can be classified as ionic due to the presence of Li+ and AlH4-, suggesting it resembles a typical ionic bond. However, it is also noted that AlH4- is a covalent anion, containing three covalent Al-H bonds. The presence of a vacant sub-orbital in AlH3 allows for the formation of a coordinate covalent bond with an H- ion, resulting in the AlH4- structure. Additionally, the polarization of the covalent tetrahedral entities by Li+ is mentioned, indicating a decrease in ionic character. For further analysis, the VASP package is recommended for studying the density of states (DOS) curve to gain insights into the bonding nature.
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hi guys, i need help on the bonding of LiAlH4. can it considered an ionic bonding because Li is Li+ and AlH4 is AlH4-. seems like a perfect ionic bonding situation to me. or is the bonding simply convalent, permanent-dipole permament-dipole attraction to be exact.
 
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ilovechemistry said:
hi guys, i need help on the bonding of LiAlH4. can it considered an ionic bonding because Li is Li+ and AlH4 is AlH4-. seems like a perfect ionic bonding situation to me. or is the bonding simply convalent, permanent-dipole permament-dipole attraction to be exact.


The tetrahedrons are inside them selfs covalently bonded and the Li+ will polarazie these entites a litle decreasing the ionic bonding a little. To calculate use VASP package and study the DOS-curve.
 
alright thnx , i guess i'll sort out a way to figure it out!
 
there is an ionic bonding when you consider Li+ and AlH4-
but, AlH4- is itself a covalent anion. there are 3 Al-H covalent bonds in this molecule... but AlH3 still has a vacant sub-orbital... coordinate covalent bond occurs... an H- bonds with the AlH3 forming AlH4-
 
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