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Chemistry Forums for Students => Organic Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: xshadow on March 23, 2021, 11:02:04 AM

Title: NaBH4 degradation at lower pH than 10
Post by: xshadow on March 23, 2021, 11:02:04 AM
Hi

At lesson it  has been said that NaBH4 should be used at pH ≈ 10 or higher. when it reduces carbonylic compounds..because at lower pH values NaBH4 can be degradated.

My question is in which species  it can be decomposed?
At low pH the difference is that I have much H+ so can it happen something like this:

BH4-  +  H+  --->  BH3  +  H2 
And perhaps Na+  --> Na(s) ??  (there should be a specie that undergoes reduction)

thanks
Title: Re: NaBH4 degradation at lower pH than 10
Post by: rolnor on March 23, 2021, 12:48:38 PM
The borane formed would react with water:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borane

You dont really think sodium metal would form, do you?
Title: Re: NaBH4 degradation at lower pH than 10
Post by: xshadow on March 25, 2021, 04:41:28 AM
Quote from: rolnor on March 23, 2021, 12:48:38 PM
The borane formed would react with water:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borane

You dont really think sodium metal would form, do you?

thanks
Yeah ,wouldn't have sense   ;D