Naatriumtetrahüdriidoboraat

Naatriumtetrahüdriidoboraat, also known as sodium borohydride, is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula NaBH4. It is a white, crystalline solid that is soluble in water, ethanol, and other polar solvents. Sodium borohydride is a powerful reducing agent, meaning it can donate electrons to other molecules and cause them to be reduced. This property makes it useful in a variety of chemical reactions, including the synthesis of organic compounds and the reduction of metal oxides.

In organic chemistry, sodium borohydride is commonly used to reduce aldehydes and ketones to alcohols. It is also used in the synthesis of amines and other nitrogen-containing compounds. In the pharmaceutical industry, it is used in the production of various drugs and medications. Beyond its synthetic applications, sodium borohydride also finds use in bleaching processes, particularly for wood pulp and textiles, where its reducing action removes colored impurities. It is also employed in wastewater treatment to remove heavy metal ions through reduction and precipitation.

Sodium borohydride is a relatively safe chemical to handle, but it is flammable and can react violently with strong oxidizing agents. It should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from sources of ignition and incompatible materials. In aqueous solutions, it slowly hydrolyzes to form hydrogen gas, so adequate ventilation is important when working with it. Despite its reactivity, its ease of use and effectiveness have made it a staple reagent in both laboratory and industrial settings.

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