Two reducing agents dominate the organic chemistry lab: sodium borohydride (NaBH₄) and lithium aluminium hydride (LiAlH₄). They are not interchangeable — choosing the right one is essential. This guide compares them.
Sodium borohydride (NaBH₄)
A mild, selective reducing agent. It reduces aldehydes and ketones to alcohols but generally leaves esters, carboxylic acids and amides untouched. It is relatively safe and can be used in water or alcohol solvents.
Lithium aluminium hydride (LiAlH₄)
A powerful, less selective reducing agent. It reduces almost all carbonyl-type groups — aldehydes, ketones, esters, carboxylic acids and amides — to alcohols or amines. It is highly reactive with water and must be used under anhydrous conditions with great care.
How to choose
- Mild, selective reduction (ketone/aldehyde only)? Use NaBH₄.
- Need to reduce an ester, acid or amide? Use LiAlH₄.
- Working in water/alcohol? NaBH₄. Anhydrous only? LiAlH₄.
Safety
LiAlH₄ reacts violently with water and is flammable — handle under inert, anhydrous conditions. NaBH₄ is milder but still releases hydrogen. Always follow the SDS.
Buy reducing agents from Ozon Chemical
Ozon Chemical supplies sodium borohydride, lithium aluminium hydride and a full range of reagents & inorganics — EU-registered, REACH-compliant, with COA/SDS on request. See also common laboratory reagents.
