Lithium Borohydride LiBH4 CAS 16949-15-8

Lithium Borohydride (LiBH₄) – High-Purity Reducing Agent for Organic Synthesis

Basic Information

• Product Name: Lithium borohydride

• CAS Number: 16949-15-8

• Molecular Formula: LiBH₄

• Molecular Weight: 21.78 g/mol

• Appearance: White to off‑white powder

• Decomposition Temperature: 275°C (melts and decomposes)

• Solubility: Soluble in diethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran (THF), and aliphatic amines; soluble in water at pH >7 (but decomposes slowly); reacts vigorously with acids.

• Stability: Stable in dry air; hydrolyzes in moist air.

Overview
Lithium borohydride is a powerful and versatile reducing agent widely used in organic synthesis. It is particularly effective for the reduction of aldehydes, ketones, esters, acid chlorides, and other carbonyl compounds to their corresponding alcohols. It also reduces epoxides, lactones, and certain nitrogen-containing functional groups. Its high hydride content and selectivity make it a valuable reagent in the synthesis of complex molecules, including active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).

Applications

• Organic synthesis: Reduction of aldehydes, ketones, esters, and carboxylic acids to alcohols.

• Pharmaceutical intermediates: Used as a reducing agent in the synthesis of ticagrelor (an antiplatelet drug) and darunavir (an antiretroviral drug) intermediates.

• Polymer chemistry: Employed in the reduction of functional groups in polymer modification.

• Hydride source: As a source of hydride ions in various chemical transformations.

Key Properties

• High reducing power – comparable to lithium aluminum hydride but more selective.

• Soluble in common organic solvents (ether, THF), facilitating homogeneous reactions.

• Hygroscopic and moisture‑sensitive – requires handling under inert atmosphere.

• Decomposes at elevated temperatures, releasing hydrogen gas.

• Reacts exothermically with protic solvents and acids.

Handling and Storage

• Store in a cool, dry, well‑ventilated area, under inert gas (argon or nitrogen).

• Keep containers tightly sealed to prevent moisture ingress.

• Avoid contact with acids, oxidizers, and water – violent reactions may occur.

• Handle with appropriate personal protective equipment (flame‑resistant gloves, safety goggles, protective clothing).

• Use only in fume hoods to avoid inhalation of dust or decomposition gases.

• In case of fire, use dry powder or sand; do not use water or CO₂.

Packaging
Available in various sizes: 100 g, 500 g, 20 kg drums; also in 100 mL, 500 mL, 1 L glass bottles; and 60 L, 70 L, 100 L stainless steel drums. Custom packaging on request.

Quality Assurance
Each batch is tested for purity, hydride content, and moisture sensitivity to ensure consistent performance in critical syntheses.