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LaVonne Davis-Schenck

LiAlH4 and NaBH4 reduction reactions

Daisy Mcbride  Follow
In both cases, the cyclic hemiacetal is formed. But:
1). Hydrolysis with diluted acid (LiAlH4 reduction), favors the hemiacetal ring opening and 1,4-butanediol is finally formed.
2). Isopropanol (NaBH4 reduction) has lower pka value than a primary butanol and theoretically cannot open the hemiacetal ring. But in practice, the hemiacetal ring will finally be open during the reaction working up with an aqueous medium.
Hint: Please, do not confuse the stability of the said cyclic hemiacetal with the stability of carbohydrates cyclic hemiacetals (pyranoses and furanoses) that are stabilized by intramolecular hydrogen bonds.

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