Sodium borohydride

Sodium borohydride, also known as sodium tetrahydridoborate, has the chemical formula NaBH4 (CAS 16940-66-2). It is a selective specialty reducing agent used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, intermediates and fine chemicals. It is a white solid, usually encountered as a powder or confectioned into prills. It melts at 36°C (97°F) and is stable (when dry) up to approximately 300°C (570°F). It is soluble in methanol and cold water, but reacts with hot water.

Reactivity

Sodium borohydride will convert aldehydes and ketones into alcohols but unlike the powerful reducing agent lithium aluminium hydride will not react with esters, amides, or carboxylic acids.

Related Topics:
Aldehyde - Ketone - Alcohol - Lithium aluminium hydride - Ester - Amide - Carboxylic acid

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