(iv) Reducing nature of dihydrogen :

Dihydrogen reduces oxides and ions of metals which are less reactive than iron to
form corresponding metal, at moderate temperature.

CuO(s) + H2(g) → Cu(s) + H2O(l)

Fe3O4(s) + 4H2(g) → 3Fe(s) + 4 H2O(l)
Pd2+(aq) + H2(g) → Pd(s) + 2H+(aq)
(v) Hydrogenation :
The reaction in which hydrogen gas reacts with unsaturated organic compounds in
the presence of a catalyst to form hydrogenated (saturated) compounds is called
hydrogenation.
For example: Oil is converted to fats (vanaspati Ghee) using nickel catalyst.

Hydroformylation of olefins : It give aldehydes which on further reduction give

alcohols.

H2 + CO + R—CH=CH2 → R—CH2—CH2—CHO (Aldehyde)

H2 + R—CH2—CH2—CHO → R—CH2—CH2—CH2OH (Alcohol)
Uses of dihydrogen :
 Largest use of dihydrogen is in production of ammonia.
 Formation of vanaspati ghee by catalytic hydrogenation of oils.
 Liquid dihydrogen is used as a rocket fuel.
 Preparation of important organic compounds like methanol in bulk quantity.
𝐶𝑜𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑡
2H2(g) + CO(g) > CH3OH(l)
𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑎𝑙𝑦𝑠𝑡

 Preparation of hydrogen chloride (HCl) and metal hydrides.

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Alkali metals and alkaline earth metals :
Introduction :
The elements of the groups 1 and 2 are placed on the left in the periodic table. Here
the last electron enters into ‘ns’ subshell. Thus they belong to the s-block of the
periodic table.
s-block elements :
 The elements having atoms in which the last electron enters the outermost s-
orbital are called s-block elements.
 The elements of s-block are normal elements, with general electronic
configuration ns1 or 2.
 The s—block consists of two groups namly group 1 of alkali metals and group 2
of alkaline earth metals.
 Position of s-block is at the extreme left of the periodic table.

Occurrence of s-block elements :

Group 1 of alkali metals : Among alkali metals, sodium and potassium are the
sixth and seventh most abundant elements in earth's crust. Francium is radioactive
with a short half life period. Hence, it does not occur appreciably in nature.
Group 2 of alkaline earth metals : Among alkaline earth metals, magnesium and
calcium are found abundantly in earth's crust. Radium is radioactive and rarest
element.

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Q. Why are the (i) elements of group 1 called alkali metals and (ii) elements
of group 2 called alkaline earth metals?
Ans :
(i) Group 1 of the periodic table consists of metals, Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs and Fr. Their
oxides and hydroxides combine with water to form alkali, hence, they are called
alkali metals.
(ii) Group 2 of the periodic table consists of metals, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba and Ra. These
elements form alkaline oxides and hydroxides and they occur minerals in rocks.
Electronic configuration of elements of group 1 and group 2
 The general outer electronic configuration of the group 1 elements is ns1 and
that of the group 2 elements is ns2.
Electronic configuration of group 1 elements :

Electronic configuration of group 2 elements :

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  The loosely held s-electrons in valence shell of these elements can be easily
removed to form metal ions.
 These elements are never found in free state in nature.
Trends in atomic and physical properties of elements of group 1 and group 2
:
Trends in atomic radii of alkali metals :
 Alkali metals have the largest atomic radii in their respective periods.
 In the group, as atomic number increases the valence electron enters a new
shell hence atomic radii increase, from top to bottom.
 Thus, atomic radii increase in the order of Li < Na < K < Rb < Cs < Fr.
 Lithium has the smallest atom
Trends in ionization enthalpy of alkali metals :
 Ionization enthalpies of alkali metals are low in their respective periods due to
their large atomic radii.
 It decreases down the group from lithium to caesium due to increase in atomic
radii. Among the alkali metals, lithium has the highest ionization enthalpy.
Trends in atomic radii of group 2 elements :
 Atomic radii of alkaline earth metals are smaller than those of corresponding
alkali metals in any period.
 Along the group, as atomic number increases, the valence electron enters a
new shell, hence, atomic radii increase from Be to Ba.
Trends in ionization enthalpy of group 2 elements:
 Ionization potential of group 2 metals are high compared to alkali metals in
any period.
 Down the group, as the atomic size increases the ionization enthalpy decreases
from Be to Ba.

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Properties of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals :
Alkali metals Alkaline earth metals
All the alkali metals are silvery white The alkaline earth are metals also in
and soft. general silvery white lustrous and soft,
but harder than the alkali metals.
Due to their large atomic size these Density is higher than alkali metals
elements have low density.
They are the most electropositive Comparatively less electropositive than
elements. the alkali metals.
Unipositive ions of all the elements of The divalent ions of group 2 elements
group 1 have inert gas configuration. also have inert gas configuration with no
Thus they have no unpaired electron unpaired electron, and therefore their
and their compounds are diamagnetic compounds are also diamagnetic and
and colourless. colourless.

Chemical properties of elements of group 1 and group 2:

The elements of group 1 and group 2 both being s-block elements, show similarily in
their chemical properties. The differences are due to variation in the atomic radii,
ionization enthalpies and valencies.
 The alkali metals and alkaline earth metals are very reactive due to their low
ionization enthalpy. As a result they are always found in combined state.
 Alkali metals due to their large atomic radii and low ionization enthalpy form
univalent positive ions M+ easily. Therefore, they are more reactive than
alkaline earth metals.
 Alkaline earth metals form bivalent positive ions M2+. The reactivity of these
metal, increases down the group as the ionization enthalpy decreases in a
group.
(i) Reaction with oxygen/air
All the elements of group 1 rapidly lose their luster in air due to formation of a layer
of oxide, on peroxide and in some cases superoxide by reaction with oxygen in air.

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  Lithium forms lithium monoxide : 2Li + O2 → 2LiO
 Sodium form sodium peroxide : 2Na + O2 → Na2O2
 Potassium form potassium superoxide : K + O2 → KO2
Know This :
The reaction of Na and K with oxygen is highly exothermic and these metals catch
fire when exposed to air.
Potassium superoxide has ability to absorb carbon dioxide and give out oxygen at
the same time:

4KO2 + 2CO2 → 2K2CO3 + 3O2 ↑

• This property of KO2 has been made use of in breathing equipment used for
mountaineers and in submarines and space.

Nature of oxides of group 1 metals :

The oxides of group 1 metals are strongly basic in nature. They dissolve in water
forming aqueous solutions of strong alkali.

For example, Li2O(s) + H2O(l) → 2LiOH(aq)

Action of air (oxygen) on group 2 elements :
All the elements of group 2 burn when ignited with air forming ‘MO’ type of oxides
and nitrides. For example,

2Mg + O2 → 2MgO
3Mg + N2 → Mg3N2
These metals are protected from further oxidation by the formation of oxide film on
their surfaces. [Further heating of oxide forms peroxide].
(ii) Reaction with water
Group 1 :
 Lithium (Li), sodium (Na) and potassium (K) all float on water due to hydrogen
bubbles released on reaction with water.
 Lithium reacts slowly but sodium and potassium react vigorously with water.

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  Due to highly exothermic reaction sodium and potassium catch fire when put in
water.

2Na + 2H2O → 2Na+ + 2OH− + H2 ↑

Group 2 :
 The elements of group 2 react with water to form metal hydroxide and
hydrogen. Beryllium (Be) does not react with water.
 Magnesium (Mg) decomposes hot water, other elements react with cold water
forming metal hydroxide M(OH)2 and hydrogen gas.

Ca + 2H2O → Ca(OH)2 ↓ + H2 ↑

(iii) Reaction with Hydrogen

 Group 1 : Alkali metals react with hydrogen at high temperature forming
metal hydrides.
673 𝐾
2M + H2 → 2M+H−
 For example, Sodium reacts with hydrogen at high temperature to form
sodium hydride.
∆
2Na + H2 → 2NaH
 Group 2 : Except Be, the alkaline earth metals form hydrides at high
temperature.
∆
M + H2 → MH2.

 For example, Calcium reacts with hydrogen to form calcium hydride.

∆
Ca + H2 → CaH2.

(iv) Reaction with Halogens

 Group 1 : All the alkali metals react vigorously with halogens to produce their
ionic halide salts.

2M + X2 → 2M+X−
 Group 2: All the alkaline earth metals combine with halogens at high
temperature to form halides.

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 M + X2 → MX2
 For Example Ca + Cl2 → CaCl2
(v) Reducing nature :
 Group 1 : Alkali metals have large atomic radii and low ionization enthalpy.
Hence they lose their valence electron, ns1 easily. They are good reducing
agents and have high negative value of standard reduction potentials. Lithium
is the most powerful reducing agent.
 Group 2 : Alkaline earth metals lose ns2 electrons from their valency shell.
They are good reducing agents but reducing power is less than that of alkali
metals.
(vi) Reaction with liquid ammonia :
Group 1 : Alkali metals are soluble in liquid ammonia giving deep blue coloured
solution which shows electrical conductivity.

M + (x + y)NH3 → [M(NH3)x]+ + [e(NH3)y]−

The ammonical electron gives deep bluecolour to the solution. The solution is
paramagnetic and on standing liberates hydrogen with the formation of metal amide.
With this, the blue colour changes to bronze and the solution becomes diamagnetic.

M+(am) + e−(am) + NH3(l) → MNH2 + H2(g)

[Note : (am) denotes solution in arnmonia.
[M(NH3)x]+ + [e(NH3)y]− Thus, these ions conduct electric current. Hence the
solution shows electrical conductivity.]
Group 2 : The alkaline earth metals also dissolve in liquid ammonia which gives
deep blue-black solution.

M + (x + 2y)NH3 → [M(NH3)x]2+ + 2[e(NH3)y]−

Diagonal Relationship :
The relative placement of elements with similar properties in the periodic table
appears to be across a diagonal and is called diagonal relationship.
For example Li,
 Lithium is in group 1 and period 2.

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  It resembles magnesium in group 2 and period 3 which is placed diagonally.
 This type of diagonal similarities is referred to as diagonal relationship.

The diagonal relationship is due to similarity in ionic sizes and charge / radius ratio
of the elements.
For example, For Li and Mg,
Radii : Li = 152 pm Mg = 160 pm
Li+ = 76 pm Mg+ = 72 pm
Therefore, polarising power of Li+ and Mg+ are nearly same and electronegativities
are not much different.
Some properties of Li and Mg, which indicate the diagonal relationship :
(i) Both lithium and magnesium form monoxide and nitride when heated in air.
∆ ∆
4Li + O2 → 2Li2O; 6Li + N2 → 2Li3N.
∆ ∆
2Mg + O2 → 2MgO; 3Mg + N2 → Mg3N2.
(ii) Lithium carbonate and magnesium carbonate decompose on heating to form their
monoxides
∆
Li2CO3 → Li2O + CO2
∆
MgCO3 → MgO + CO2
Both, LiCl and MgCl2 crystallise from aqueous solutions as their hydrates. LiCl.2H2O
and MgCl2.8H2O.
Q. How does lithium differ from other alkali metals?
Ans. Lithium differs from other alkali metals as follows :
 Lithium is much harder than alkali metals and has higher melting point and
boiling point.
 Lithium is less reactive but it is the strongest reducing agent.

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  Lithium on combustion in air forms lithium oxide and lithium nitride. Other
alkali metals form peroxide (Na2O2); Superoxide (KO2).
∆ ∆
4Li + O2 → 2Li2O; Li + N2 → 2Li3N.
 Among alkali metals only lithium carbonate decomposes on heating. Other
alkali metal carbonates do not decompose.
∆
Li2CO3 → Li2O + CO2
 Lithium chloride crystallises as a hydrate which is deliquescent (LiCl2.H2O).
Other alkali chlorides (MCl) do not crystallise as hydrates and are not
deliquescent.
Diagonal relationship between beryllium and aluminium :

 Beryllium is in group 2 and period 2.

 It resembles aluminium in next main group 13 and period 3.
 This type of diagonal similarities are referred to as diagonal relationship.
Some properties of Be and Al, which indicate the diagonal relationship
Due to diagonal relationship Be resembles Al.
(1) Both, beryllium oxide and aluminium oxide are amphoteric. Thus they react with
acid as well as alkali.

BeO + 2HCl(aq) → BeCl2 + H2O

BeO + 2NaOH(aq) → Na2BeO2 + H2O
Al2O3 + 6HCl(aq) → 2AlCl3 + 3 H2O
Al2O3 + 2NaOH(aq) → 2NaAlO2 + H2O
(2) Both, Be and Al from covalent chlorides. BeCl2 and AlCl3 are strong Lewis acids
and are soluble in organic solvents.
BeCl2 has a chain structure with Cl bridges.
Aluminium Chloride dimer with Cl bridges

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Q. How beryllium differs from other members of group 2?
 Beryllium differs from other members of group 2 as follows :
 Beryllium chloride is covalent and soluble in organic solvents. Other alkaline
earth metal chlorides are ionic and insoluble in organic solvents.
 Beryllium chloride is strong Lewis acid other chlorides of group 2 elements are
not Lewis acids.
 Beryllium Oxide is amphoteric, reacts with both acid and base (aqueous HCl
and aqueous NaOH.) Oxides of other alkaline earth metals are basic, react with
only acid (aqueous HCl).
 They do not react with base.

BeO + 2HCl(aq) → BeCl2 + H2O

MO + 2HCl → MCl2 + H2O
BeO + 2NaOH(aq) → Na2BeO2 + H2O
MO + NaOH → No reaction
[M = other alkaline earth metals].
Uses of elements of group 1 and group 2 Group 1 :
Group 1:
 Lithium metal is used in long-life batteries used in digital watches, calculators
and computers.
 Liquid sodium has been used for heat transfer in nuclear power station.
 Potassium chloride is used as a fertilizer.
 Potassium is used in manufacturing potassium superoxide (KO2) for oxygen
generation. It is good absorbent of carbon dioxide.
 Caesium is used in photoelectric cells.
Group 2 :

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  Beryllium is used as a moderator in nuclear reactors.
 Alloy of magnesium and aluminium is widely used as structural material and in
aircrafts.
 Calcium ions are important ingredient in biological system, essential for
healthy growth of bones and teeth.
 Barium sulphate is used in medicine as barium meal for intestinal x-ray.
 Radium is used in radiotherapy for cancer treatment.
Biological importance of elements of group 1 and group 2 :
Group 1 :
 Sodium ion is present as the largest supply in all extracellular fluids. These
fluids provide medium for transporting nutrients to the cells.
 The concentration of sodium ion in extracellular fluids regulates the flow of
water across the membrane.
 Sodium ions participate in the transmission of nerve signals.
 Potassium ions are the most abundant ions within cells. These are required for
maximum efficiency in the synthesis of proteins and also in oxidation of
glucose.
Group 2 :
 Magnesium (Mg2+) ions are important part of chlorophyll in green plants.
 Mg2+ ions play an important role in the breakge of glucose and fat molecules,
in synthesis of proteins with enzymes, and in regulation of chlolesterol level.
 Calcium (Ca2+) ions are important for bones and teeth in the form of apatite
[Ca3(PO4)2]
 Ca2+ ions play important role in blood clotting.
 Ca2+ ions are required for contraction and stretching of muscles.
 Ca2+ ions are also required to maintain the regular beating of heart.
Know This :
Calcium has higher metallic character, greater tendency to lose valence electron
and lower ionization enthalpy than magnesium.

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 Therefore Mg reacts slowly with air, forming a thin film of oxide, resulting into
tarnishing, whereas Ca reacts readily at room temperature with oxygen and
nitrogen in the air.

Some important compounds of elements of s-block :

Sodium Carbonate (washing soda) Na2CO3.10H2O
Preparation: Sodium Carbonate is commercially prepared by Solvay process,
which takes place in the following stages.
Stage 1: CO2 is passed into a concentrated solution of NaCl which is saturated with
NH3.
Crystals of sodium bicarbonate separate as a result of the following reactions.

2NH3(aq) + H2O + CO2(g) → (NH4)2CO3(aq)

(NH4)2CO3(aq) + H2O + CO2 → 2NH4HCO3(aq)
NH4HCO3(aq) + NaCl(aq) → NH4Cl(aq) + NaHCO3(s)
Sodium bicarbonate crystals precipitate out because of its low solubility.
[NaHCO3 is formed as a result of double decomposition reaction in equation (ii)].
Stage 2 : Sodium bicarbonate crystals are heated to obtain sodium carbonate.
∆
2NaHCO3(s) → Na2CO3(s) + H2O(g) + CO2(g)
In this Solvay process the recovery of ammonia is done by treating the solution of
NH4Cl obtained with slaked lime, Ca(OH)2. The byproduct of this reaction is calcium
chloride.

2NH4Cl(aq) + Ca(OH)2(s) → 2NH3(g) + CaCl2(aq) + H2O(l)

Properties of Sodium Carbonate :
 Sodium carborate (washing soda) is a white crystalline solid having the
formula Na2CO3, 10H2O.
 It is highly soluble in water.
 On heating the decahyadrate loses water molecules to form monohydrate.
 On heating above 373 K temperature monohydrate further loses water and
changes into white anhydrous powder called soda-ash.

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 373 𝐾
Na2CO3.10H2O(s) → Na2CO3.H2O(s) + 9H2O(g)
373 𝐾
Na2CO3.H2O(s) → Na2CO3.(s) + H2O(g)

 Aqueous solution of sodium carbonate is alkaline because of its hydrolysis by

the following reaction:

Na2CO3 + H2O → NaHCO3 + NaOH

 The solution becomes alkaline as NaOH is a strong base.
Uses of sodium carbonate :
 Sodium carbonate is used as a cleaning material (as due to its alkaline nature
it has emulsifying effect on grease and dirt).
 It is used to make hard water soft (as a water softener), as it precipitates out
the soluble calcium and magnesium salts in hard water as carbonates. Thus
water becomes soft and gives lather with soap.

For example : Ca(HCO3)2(aq) + Na2CO3(aq) → CaCO3(s) + 2NaHCO3(aq)

 It is used for commercial production of soap and caustic soda.
 It is an important laboratory reagent.
Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) NaOH
Preparation :
(1) Commercially sodium hydroxide is prepared by the electrolysis of aqueous
sodium chloride solution in Castner—Kellner cell, using mercury cathode and
graphite anode.
(2) The following reactions take place,

NaCl → Na+ + Cl−

(3) Reaction at cathode :
𝐻𝑔
Na+ + e− → Na—Hg.

Sodium ions get reduced to metallic sodium at cathode. At cathode sodium metal
combines with mercury to form amalgam, Na—Hg.
(4) Reaction at anode : Cl− ions are oxidised to form chlorine gas at anode.

Cl− → Cl + e−

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 Cl +Cl → Cl2
The sodium amalgam when treated with water forms sodium hydroxide and
hydrogen gas.

2Na—Hg + 2H2O → 2NaOH + 2Hg + H2.

Properties of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) :
 Sodium hydroxide is a white deliquescent solid with melting point 591 K.
 It is highly soluble in water and gives a strongly alkaline solution.
 The surface of the solution absorbs atmospheric CO2 to form Na2CO3.
Uses of sodium hydroxide :
 Sodium hydroxide is used in the purification of bauxite.
 It is used in the manufacture of soap, paper, artificial silk and many chemical
compounds.
 It is used in petroleum refining.
 It is used in textile industries (for mercerizing cotton).
 It is used as an important laboratory reagent.
Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)
Calcium carbonate is found in nature as chalk, limestone or marble.
Preparation :
(1) From slaked lime : When carbon dioxide is bubbled through slaked lime
Ca(OH)2, water insoluble calcium carbonate is formed.

Ca(OH)2(aq) + CO2O(s) → CaCO3(s) + H2O(l)

Controlled addition of CO2 is essential. Excess CO2 transforms precipitate of CaCO3
into water soluble calcium bicarbonate.
(2) From calcium chloride : When solution of calcium chloride is added to a
solution of sodium carbonate, calcium carbonate is formed as a precipitate.

CaCl2(aq) + Na2CO3(aq) → CaCO3(s) + 2NaCl(aq)

Physical properties of calcium carbonate :
 Calcium carbonate is soft, light, white powder.
 It is insoluble in water.
Action of heat on calcium carbonate :

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On heating to 1200 K, calcium carbonate decomposes into calcium oxide and carbon
dioxide.
1200 𝐾
CaCO3(s) → CaO(s) + CO2(g)

Action of dilute acids on calcium carbonate :

Calcium carbonate reacts with dilute acids to give corresponding calcium salt and
carbon dioxide.

CaCO3 + 2HCl → CaCl2 + CO2 ↑ + H2O

CaCO3 + H2SO4 → CaSO4 + CO2 ↑ + H2O
Uses of calcium carbonate:
 Calcium carbonate in the form of marble is used as building material.
 Calcium carbonate is used in the manufacture of quicklime (CaO) which is the
major ingredient of cement.
 A mixture of CaCO3 and MgCO3 is used as flux in the extraction of metals from
ores.
 It is required for the manufacture of high quality paper.
 It is an important ingredient in toothpaste, chewing gum, dietary supplements
of calcium and filler in cosmetics.
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) :
Hydrogen peroxide is a low cost, clean and mild oxidizing agent. A 30% aqueous
solution hydrogen peroxide is commercially available.
Preparation :
(i) From hydrated barium peroxide : When hydrated barium peroxide,
BaO2.8H2O is acidified with dilute sulphuric acid, hydrogen peroxide is obtained along
with a white precipitate of barium sulphate.
273 𝐾
BaO2.8H2O(s) + H2SO4(dil) → BaSO4(s) + H2O2(aq) + 8H2O(l)

Insoluble barium sulphate is filtered off to get hydrogen peroxide solution.

(ii) Merk process : Small quantity of sodium peroxide is added to ice cold solution
of dilute sulphuric acid, with stirring gives hydrogen peroxide.

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 273 𝐾
Na2O2(aq) + H2SO4(aq) → H2O2(aq) + Na2SO4(aq)

(iii) From electrolytic oxidation of sulphuric acid : A 50% solution of sulphuric

acid is subjected to an electrolytic oxidation to form peroxydisulphuric acid at anode.
𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑙𝑦𝑠𝑖𝑠
2HSO4 → H2S2O8 + 2e−

Hydrolysis of peroxydisulphuric acid yields hydrogen peroxide.

HO—SO2—O—O—SO2—OH + 2H2O → 2 H2SO4+ H2O2.

[This method can be used to prepare D2O2 in laboratory].
(iv) industrial preparation of hydrogen peroxide :
 Industrially hydrogen peroxide is prepared by the air oxidation of 2-
Ethylanthraquinol.
 Air is bubbled through a solution of 2-ethylan-thraquinol to get hydrogen
peroxide and the oxidised product (2-ethylanthraquinone).
 2-Ethylanthraquinone is further reduced by H2 gas in presence of Pd catalyst to
give back 2-Ethylanthraquinol.

Properties of hydrogen peroxide :

(i) Pure H2O2 is a very pale blue coloured liquid, having b.p. 272.4 K.
(ii) H2O2 is miscible in water and forms a hydrate (H2O2.H2O)
(iii) Strength of aqueous solution of H2O2 is expressed in ‘volume’ units.
 The commercially marketed 30% (by mass) solution of H2O2 has volume
strength of 100 volume. It means that 1 mL of 30% solution of H2O2 will give
100 mL oxygen at STP.
(iv) H2O2 acts as a mild oxidising as well as reducing agent.
 Oxidising action of H2O2 in acidic medium

2Fe2+(aq) + 2H+(aq) + H2O2(aq) → 2Fe3+(aq) + 2H2O(l)

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  b. Reducing action of H2O2 in acidic medium

2MnO4 + 6H+ + 5H2O2 → 2Mn2+ + 8H2O + 5O2

Uses of hydrogen peroxide :
 Hydrogen peroxide is used as mouthwash, germicide, mild antiseptic,
preservative for milk and wine and bleaching agent for soft materials due to its
mild oxidising property.
 Hydrogen peroxide, due to its reducing property, is used as an antichlor to
remove excess chlorine from fabrics which have been bleached by chlorine.
 Now a days it is also used in environmental chemistry for pollution control,
restoration of aerobic condition to sewage water.
Lithium aluminium hydride (LiAlH4) :
Lithium aluminium hydride is commonly abbreviated as LAH. It has chemical formula
LiAlH4.
Prepartion : Lithium hydride is treated with aluminium chloride to give lithium
aluminium hydride

4LiH + AlCl3 → LiAlH4 + 3LiCl

Properties: Lithium aluminium hydride is a colourless solid. It reacts violently with
water and even atmospheric moisture.
Uses
(i) LAH is a source of hydride and therefore used as reducing agent in organic
synthesis.

(ii) LAH is useful to prepare PH3(phosphine)

4PCl3 + 3LiAlH4 → 4PH3 + 3AlCl3 + 3LiCl

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