Borohydridejä

Borohydridejä, known in English as borohydrides, are chemical compounds containing the boron hydride ion (BH4−). These compounds are primarily used as reducing agents in various chemical reactions and are notable for their strong electron-donating properties.

The most well-known borohydride is sodium borohydride (NaBH4), which is a white crystalline solid that readily dissolves in water and alcohols. Sodium borohydride is commonly employed in organic chemistry for the reduction of aldehydes, ketones, and carboxylic acids to their corresponding alcohols or other reduced forms. It is considered a milder reducing agent compared to lithium aluminium hydride (LiAlH4), making it safer and easier to handle in laboratory settings.

Other borohydrides include lithium borohydride (LiBH4), calcium borohydride (Ca(BH4)2), and aluminum borohydride (Al(BH4)3). These compounds vary in their stability, reactivity, and applications. For example, lithium borohydride is similarly used in reductions but with different solubility and reactivity profiles, while calcium borohydride is less common due to its reduced stability.

Borohydrides are generally sensitive to moisture and air, which can decompose these compounds and release hydrogen gas. This property necessitates careful handling and storage under inert atmospheres.

In addition to their use in organic synthesis, borohydrides are also studied for potential applications in hydrogen storage, owing to their ability to release hydrogen upon decomposition. The development of borohydrides continues as researchers explore environmentally friendly and efficient ways to utilize these compounds across various industries.