In chemistry, a hydride is the anion of hydrogen, H⁻, or more commonly it is a compound in which one or more hydrogen centres have nucleophilic, reducing, or basic properties. In compounds that are regarded as hydrides, the hydrogen atom is bonded to a more electropositive element or groups.

All the elements except beryllium combine with hydrogen upon heating to form their hydrides, MH₂.

2M + H₂→ 2M⁺H^- (M= Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs)

M’ + H₂→ M’H₂ (M’ = Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra)

Be cannot form hydride by this reaction because of the highest amount of ionization energy among alkali and alkali earth metals.

BeH₂, however, can be prepared by the reaction of BeCl₂ with LiAlH₄

BeCl₂ + LiAlH₄→ 2BeH₂ + LiCl + AlCl₃