KnBH

KnBH refers to a chemical compound with the formula KBH4. It is the potassium salt of borohydride. This white crystalline solid is soluble in water and alcohols. KnBH is a strong reducing agent, meaning it readily donates electrons in chemical reactions. It is particularly effective at reducing aldehydes and ketones to primary and secondary alcohols, respectively. It can also reduce other functional groups such as acyl chlorides and acid anhydrides.

The preparation of KnBH typically involves reacting potassium hydroxide with sodium borohydride in the presence of hydrogen gas or by reacting potassium hydride with diborane. KnBH is widely used in organic synthesis for its selectivity and ease of handling compared to other reducing agents. It finds applications in the pharmaceutical industry for the synthesis of various drug intermediates and in the production of fine chemicals. Due to its reactivity with water, it is usually stored under dry conditions. Safety precautions should be observed when handling KnBH as it can release flammable hydrogen gas upon contact with acids or water.