Meijeritoiminta

Meijeritoiminta, also known as Meijeri operation, is a term used in the field of organic chemistry to describe a specific type of reaction. It is named after the Finnish chemist Artturi Ilmari Virtanen, who first described the process in 1929. The Meijeritoiminta reaction involves the conversion of an aldehyde or ketone into an alcohol using a reducing agent, typically sodium borohydride (NaBH4) or lithium aluminum hydride (LiAlH4). This reaction is a fundamental tool in synthetic organic chemistry, allowing for the selective reduction of carbonyl groups without affecting other functional groups in the molecule. The process is carried out under controlled conditions to ensure the desired product is obtained with high yield and purity. The Meijeritoiminta reaction is widely used in the synthesis of various organic compounds, including pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and materials science. Its simplicity and effectiveness make it a valuable technique in both academic research and industrial applications.