The borohydrides, because of their unique chemical properties, have become compounds of considerable interest, both theoretical and practical. Among the practical applications is the use of sodium borohydride for the generation of hydrogen under conditions in which it is important to obtain the largest possible volume from the smallest weight and volume of generating material and apparatus. This application is discussed in detail later in this paper; the use of the alkali metal borohydrides as reducing agents in organic and in analytical chemistry will be described elsewhere.

Metal Hydrides focuses on the theories of hydride formation as well as on experimental procedures involved in the formation of hydrides, the reactions that occur between hydrides and other media, and the physical and mechanical properties of the several classes of hydrides. The use of metal hydrides in the control of neutron energies is discussed, as are many other immediate or potential uses, e.g., in the production of high-purity hydrogen and in powder metallurgy. It is hoped that this book will serve as a valuable reference to students, research professors, and industrial researchers in metal hydrides and in allied fields. Selected chapters may serve specialists in other fields as an introduction to metal hydrides. The information contained herein will also be of lasting and practical value to the metallurgist, inorganic chemist, solid-state physicist, nuclear engineer, and others working with chemical or physical processes involving metal-hydrogen systems.