Sodium Borohydride

NaBH₄

IUPAC: Sodium tetrahydridoborate

CAS: 16940-66-2

Overview

Sodium borohydride is a milder and safer reducing agent than LiAlH4. It selectively reduces aldehydes and ketones while leaving esters and amides intact.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Hydrogen H 4 1.0080
Boron B 1 10.8100
Sodium Na 1 22.9900

Elemental Composition

H
Hydrogen ×4
10.7%
B
Boron ×1
28.6%
Na
Sodium ×1
60.8%

Uses

  • • Selective reducing agent
  • • Paper pulp bleaching
  • • Waste water treatment
  • • Gold recovery

Fun Facts

  • ✦ Its selectivity makes it one of the most commonly used reducing agents in pharmaceutical synthesis

Safety

  • ⚠ Flammable
  • ⚠ Reacts with acids releasing hydrogen

Structure

SMILES

[BH4-].[Na+]

Properties

Type
inorganic
State
solid
Molar Mass
37.83 g/mol
Density
1.0740 g/cm³
Melting Point
505.0 °C
Solubility
550 g/L at 25°C

Molecular Descriptors

Exact Mass
38.0304
TPSA
0.0 Ų
H-Bond Donors
0
H-Bond Acceptors
1
Rotatable Bonds
0
Heavy Atoms
2
Complexity
2.0

Related Compounds

Aluminum Chloride

AlCl₃

Aluminum Nitride

AlN

Ammonium Persulfate

(NH₄)₂S₂O₈

Arsine

AsH₃

Barium Ferrite

BaFe₁₂O₁₉

Barium Titanate

BaTiO₃

Boron Nitride

BN

Boron Trichloride

BCl₃

Calcium Aluminate Cement

CaO·Al₂O₃

Calcium Carbide

CaC₂

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sodium Borohydride?
Sodium Borohydride (NaBH₄) is a inorganic compound with the IUPAC name Sodium tetrahydridoborate.
What is the molecular weight of Sodium Borohydride?
Sodium Borohydride has a molar mass of 37.83 g/mol.
What state is Sodium Borohydride at room temperature?
Sodium Borohydride is a solid at room temperature.
Is Sodium Borohydride organic or inorganic?
Sodium Borohydride is classified as an inorganic compound.
What elements make up Sodium Borohydride?
Sodium Borohydride (NaBH₄) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Boron (B), Sodium (Na).