Synthesis of alkali metal hexahydroaluminate complexes using dimethyl ether as a reaction medium

A novel method of preparation of hexahydroaluminate complexes M3AlH6 (M = Li, Na or K) from the corresponding alkali metal hydride and tetrahydroaluminate has been explored, using dimethyl ether (Me2O) as a solvent at near-ambient temperatures. The results are compared with those obtained using a recently established mechanochemical approach. Characterization of the products by powder X-ray diffraction revealed M3AlH6 to be formed in high yield for M = Li and Na, but not for M = K. The attempted preparation of Li2NaAlH6 and Li2KAlH6 was unsuccessful.