Abstract: A process for production of a metal hydride compound MHx, wherein x is one or two and M is an alkali metal, Be or Mg. The process comprises combining a compound of formula (R1O)xM with aluminum, hydrogen and at least one metal selected from among titanium, zirconium, hafnium, niobium, vanadium, tantalum and iron to produce a compound of formula MHx. R1 is phenyl or phenyl substituted by at least one alkyl or alkoxy group. A mole ratio of aluminum to (R1O)xM is from 0.1:1 to 1:1. The catalyst is present at a level of at least 200 ppm based on weight of aluminum.

Abstract: A process for production of a borohydride compound M(BH4)y. The process has three steps. The first step combines a compound of formula (R1O)yM with aluminum, hydrogen and a metallic catalyst containing at least one metal selected from the group consisting of titanium, zirconium, hafnium, niobium, vanadium, tantalum and iron to produce a compound of formula M(AlH3OR1)y, wherein R1 is phenyl or phenyl substituted by at least one alkyl or alkoxy group; M is an alkali metal, Be or Mg; and y is one or two; wherein the catalyst is present at a level of at least 200 ppm based on weight of aluminum. The second step combines the compound of formula M(AlH3OR1)y with a borate, boroxine or borazine compound to produce M(BH4)y and a byproduct mixture containing alkali metal and aluminum aryloxides. The third step separates M(BH4)y from the byproduct mixture.

Abstract: A compound of formula M(AlH3OR1)y, wherein R1 is phenyl substituted by at least one of: (i) an alkoxy group having from one to six carbon atoms; and (ii) an alkyl group having from three to twelve carbon atoms; wherein M is an alkali metal, Be or Mg; and y is one or two.