They are commonly used in organic chemistry reactions because they can be used to replace hydrogen atoms with metallic ones.  Most react violently with water, so reactions involving them must be done in ether.  They are very strong reducing agents, a
They are commonly used in organic chemistry reactions because they can be used to replace hydrogen atoms with metallic ones.  Most react violently with water, so reactions involving them must be done in ether.  They are very strong reducing agents, and common ones include lithium, sodium-boron, and lithium-aluminum, that are used to produce alcohols from ketones. FTP, name these compounds with negatively charged hydrogen atoms.
They are commonly used in organic chemistry reactions because they can be used to replace hydrogen atoms with metallic ones.  
(metal) {hydrides}