Borohydridealanates

Borohydridealanates are a class of chemical compounds characterized by the presence of both borohydride (BH4-) and alanate (AlH4-) anions. These are complex hydrides that combine the properties of boranes and aluminanes. A common example is sodium borohydride alanate, Na[AlH4][BH4]. These compounds are typically formed by reacting a metal hydride, such as sodium hydride, with boron trifluoride and aluminum trichloride in a suitable solvent. The synthesis often requires careful control of reaction conditions due to the reactivity of the precursors. Borohydridealanates are known for their potent reducing capabilities, often exceeding that of either borohydrides or alanates alone. This enhanced reducing power makes them valuable in organic synthesis for the reduction of various functional groups, including esters, amides, and carboxylic acids. The specific reactivity and selectivity can be tuned by altering the metal cation and the solvent system. Their application as hydrogen storage materials has also been explored, though challenges related to stability and release kinetics remain. Research continues to investigate their potential in catalysis and other specialized chemical transformations.