and CaH2 (Sigma-Aldrich, reagent grade, 95% (gas-volumetric)), respectively, before being stored in a glovebox under an argon atmosphere over activated molecular sieves (3 Å, 4-8 mesh, Sigma-Aldrich). The Al/Hg amalgam was prepared as follows: Aluminum (Sigma-Aldrich, beads, 5-15 mm, 99.9% trace metals basis) was charged in a 100 mL Schlenk flask and submerged in concentrated HCl. Vigorous bubbling occurred as the oxide coating was stripped from the aluminum beads. The flask was stirred vigorously by hand for five minutes. The solution was then carefully decanted. The aluminum beads were washed 3 times with diethyl ether and then the entire flask was placed under vacuum overnight. The flask was then pumped into a glovebox under and argon atmosphere. In a 20 mL scintillation vial, enough Hg metal (Sigma-Aldrich, ≥ 99.99% trace metals basis) to just cover the bottom of the vial was added. Three aluminum beads were removed from the Schlenk flask and careful placed over the mercury. The vial was capped and placed on a hot plate and heated to 250 °C. The amalgam was kept heated overnight and stirred occasionally.