Sodium Borohydride

NaBH4

Hydrin

Sodium Borohydride NaBH4

EFFECTIVE AND SELECTIVE REDUCING
AGENT
NaBH 4 is very effective and selective reducing agent. It is
widely used in its dry form (white crystalline powder or
granules) by the pharmaceutical and ne chemical industry in
applications where an excellent hydrogenation and reduction
is needed. The reductions can be carried out with a wide range
of carbonyl substrates and the products are often building
blocks especially for the synthesis of pharmaceutically active
compounds.
NaBH 4 is also used to purify organic chemicals by removing
metal ions, carbonyl and peroxide impurities that causes
undesirable odor, taste, color and instability to products.
Sodium borohydride is also easy to handle when the
appropriate safety precautions are followed. It is not necessary
to exclude moisture nor atmospheric oxygen when using
NaBH 4 . The sodium borohydride consumed by water present
in the reaction mixture usually do not have unfavourable
effects on the desired reduction, provided that there is
sufcient borohydride present. This is the main reason why
a slight excess of sodium borohydride is used customarily in
reduction reactions.
NaBH 4 is above all used for reducing aldehydes and ketones.
Aldehydes can be reduced selectively in the presence of
ketones. In alcoholic media or THF sodium borohydride reduces
for example halides, anhydrides, quartenary pyridinium salts,
double bonds conjugated to two electron-withdrawing groups
and C-Hg bonds. It leaves under ambient conditions epoxides,
esters and lactones, carboxylic acids, amides and most nitro
compounds unreacted.
The reactivity of NaBH 4 can be enhanced by the additives. In the
presence of organic acids NaBH 4 forms acyloxyborohydrides,
either monoacyloxy (Na(RCOO)BH3) or triacyloxyborohydrides
(Na(RCOO) 3 BH) depending on the quantity of organic acid
(RCOOH) present.

REDUCTION OF ORGANIC COMPOUNDS

In organic reactions the reduction occurs on the carbon
atom having the highest positive partial charge. The rate of
reduction is increased by any substituent that increases the
partial positive charge of the carbonyl carbon. The reductions
of carbonyl groups by borohydride occur mostly by nucleophilic
attack of hydride on the carbonyl carbon.
The basic reduction mechanism of sodium borohydride.

R
4

C = O

+ BH 4-

4 H2O/ROH

OH

The mechanism shows that 1 mol of NaBH4 can reduce as

many as four molecules of a carbonyl compound. Four
molecules of water or alcohol is needed to hydrolyze the
formed tetraalkoxyborate. Because NaBH 4 is highly reactive to
positive charge of the carbonyl carbon, the aldehydes can be
reduced selectively in the presence of other functional groups,
for example ketones, esters, imides and nitriles.

OTHER APPLICATIONS
Organoboranes
Organoboranes are prepared by borane (BH 3) which
undergoes rapid and quantitative hydroboration with most
alkenes to form organoboranes (R 3 B). Organoboranes are
important reactive intermediate products widely used in
organic synthesis, e.g the reduction of -amino acids to amino alcohols as these are important intermediates in the
synthesis of many pharmaceutically active compounds.

The borane needed for the reaction is often prepared in situ

by the reaction of NaBH 4 and Lewis acid such as BF 3 , AlCl3 , I2
or Me 3SiCl.
2 NaBH4 + I2

diglyme

METAL
2 NaI + B2 H 6 + H2

The reaction produces diborane (B2 H 6), which is a gaseous

dimeric form of borane. Borane is generally employed as a
solvate with THF or Me 2 S.
Organometallic reactions
The applications of sodium borohydride on organometallic
reactions can in general be divided on four major types:
1) initial formation of organometallic compounds and
complexes
2) reductions to lower-valent metal compounds
3) demetallation or cleaveage of organometallic compounds
to the metal and organic species, e.g reduction of organomercurials to saturated functionalized compounds
4) conversion of organometallic halides to the corresponding
hydride or hydride halide.
Metal cations reductions
Sodium borohydride solution is used to purify waste waters
and product streams by reducing soluble metal ions to insoluble
elemental metals, which may then be separated from the
solution by ltration or decantation. Toxic and valuable heavy
metals such as lead, mercury, gold, silver, and platinum are
recovered by NaBH 4 reduction. When sodium borohydride is
dissolved in a suitable solvent , eight electrons per molecule
become available for reduction.
NaBH4 + 2 H20
8 Me+ + 8 e -

The theoretical amounts of sodium borohydride needed to reduce

metal cations.

NaBH2 + 8 H + + 8 e 8 Me0

Theoretically the following quantities of metals can be

reduced by 1 kg of sodium borohydride, but in practice certain
additional dosages of NaBH 4 are needed to gain good yields.
When the conditions are right, the efciency is good and
reduction complete.

kg metal

kg NaBH 4

/kg NaBH 4

/kg metal

Cadmium

Cd2+

11,9

0,085

Cobalt

Co2+

6,2

0,161

Copper

Cu

6,7

0,147

Gold

Au3+

13,7

0,073

Iridium

Ir4+

10,1

0,099

Lead

2+

2+

Pb

21,9

0,046

Mercury

Hg2+

21,2

0,048

Nickel

Ni2+

6,2

0,162

Platinium

Pt4+

10,3

0,097

Rhodium

Rh3+

7,2

0,138

Silver

Ag +

22,8

0,044

Hydrin

Sodium Borohydride NaBH4

Powder, granules
CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

SOLUBILITY IN WATER

Chemical name
Chemical formula
Molecular weight
Purity

Sodium borohydride crystallizes in dihydrate form in water

on temperatures below 36.4 C and in anhydrous form on
temperatures over it. The following diagram shows the
equilibrium temperature of the two crystal forms of NaBH 4 .

Sodium borohydride
NaBH 4
37.84 g/mol
min 98%

Typical content
NaBH 4

Solubility of sodium borohydride in water at different temperatures.

98.4 99.5%
NaBO 2 < 1.5%
NaOH < 0.1%
H2O < 0.1%
Theoretical hydrogen content 10.6 w-%

g NaBH 4 in 100 g saturated solution

55

NaBH 4

50

36.4 C

45
40

Typical properties
Appearance
Bulk density approx.

Melting point
Decomposes

white crystalline solid

400 kg/m3 for powder
510 kg/m3 for granules
550 kg/m3 for tablets

35

NaBH 4 2H 2 O

30
25
10

20

30

40

50
Temperature C

~ 500 C at 2 6 bar H2
above 400 C in vacuum

SOLUBILITY IN ORGANIC SOLVENTS

Crystal form (anhydrous) face centered cubic (NaCl structure)
a 0 = 6.14

Sodium borohydride is soluble in most polar solvents that

contain a hydroxyl or an amine group. Appendix 1 contains
more information about the solubility of NaBH 4 .

ANALYTICAL METHODS
Sodium borohydride assay can be determined by either
iodometric titration or gas evolution method. We will be glad
to provide further information of these analysis methods.

The stability of sodium borohydride in organic solvents is

dependent on the degree of hydrolysis that can occur. Sodium
borohydride instability in lower alcohols (methanol, ethanol)
can be overcome by the addition of base. The presence of
water accelerates hydrolysis reaction.
Stability of sodium borohydride on different solvents at room
temperatures.
% NaBH 4
100

4 %NaBH 4
in 99.5 w-% EtOH

98

4 %NaBH 4
in lab. water, pH 6

36.4 C
96

4 %NaBH 4
in 94 w-% EtOH

94

92

10 %NaBH 4
in MeOH
90
1

7
8
Time (h)

DELIVERY AND TRANSPORT

REGULATIONS
Standard packaging
10-kg plastic bags in steel drums of 10 kg, 40 kg or 50 kg
Transport regulations
UN No
1426
IMDG class
4.3/I
ADR/RID class
4.3/I
ICAO/IATA
4.3/I CAO 412, PAX F
Toxicity
LD50 18 mg/kg ipr/rat
4 8 g/kg dermal/rabbit
CAS No
EINECS No

16940-66-2
241-004-4

FIRST AID
Dry sodium borohydride products are corrosive to the eyes,
skin and respiratory tract. Moisture increases the toxicity and
can result in severe irritation and skin burns.
Inhalation
Move to fresh air and rinse mouth with water. Consult a
physician.
Eye contact
Rinse thoroughly with running water for at least 15 minutes
and consult a physician.
Skin contact
Wash off immediately with plenty of water for at least 15
minutes. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Cleanse
skin with soap and water including hair and under ngernails.
If irritation develops, consult a physician.

HANDLING AND STORAGE

NaBH 4 is safe to handle and use when certain normal industrial
safety regulations are followed. It is chemically stable
under normal conditions and in unopened drums. Sodium
borohydride must be stored in closed vessels in a dry, cool
and well-ventilated area, where the relative humidity in the
air is preferably smaller than 20%.
It must be kept separate from
acids
oxidizing substances
heavy metal salts
open re and heat sources.
NaBH 4 may liberate hydrogen gas even violently or explosively
when reacting with oxidizers, acids, heavy metals or heavy
metal salts. A contact with moisture, water or steam causes
gradual decomposition of the product and a slow release of
hydrogen. Hydrogen is highly ammable and can form an
explosive mixture with air. Reactions with acids or in acidic
conditions borohydride products can generate heat and
liberate hydrogen gas.

Ingestion
Rinse mouth with water and immediately give several glasses
of water to drink. Seek medical advise immediately. Prevent
vomiting if possible.

DISPOSAL
Dispose sodium borohydride according to the local legislation.
Small amounts of sodium borohydride can be disposed by
dilution with large excess of water followed by slowly adding
dilute acetic acid or acetone solution to the neutral pH. Do not
ush sodium borohydride into the sewer. The procedure must
be carried out carefully in a well-ventilated place because
of the liberating hydrogen gas by exothermic hydrolysis
reaction.
NaBH 4 + 2 H 2O

NaBO2 + 4 H 2

H = -218 kJ mol -1

The powder ignites from free ame in the air and will continue
to burn as hydrogen is evolved from the decomposition.
If it has caught re, do not use water or carbon dioxide
for extinguishing. Dry sand, powdered limestone or dry
extinguishers with sodium chloride or anhydrous sodium
carbonate are most suitable.
Protective clothing, plastic or rubber gloves and boots,
eye or face protector and dust mask shall always be used
when handling the product. Also sufcient ventilation is
recommended.

Before using sodium borohydride please check carefully

the information on handling and precautions from the
Safety Data Sheet of our product. The instructions of the
local authorities are to be observed.

Hydrin L

Sodium Borohydride NaBH4 Solution

CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Typical content

NaBH 4
12.0 %
NaOH
40.0 %
balance H2O

Alkalinity
Appearance

pH approx. 14
colorless liquid

BH 4- + 2 H 2O

Crystallizes below 10 C (50 F), can be liqueed again by

warming slowly.
Sodium borohydride density and viscosity varies at different
temperatures.
Density (g/dm3)

BO2- + 4 H 2

The stability of 1 mol/l sodium borohydride water solution at

different pH at room temperatures.
% NaBH 4
100
pH 11
90

pH 10

Viscosity (mPas)
160

1390

140

1385
Density

100

1375

80

1370

pH 9

70
Time (h)

Viscosity

25
30
Temperature C

35

40

We also prepare sodium borohydride solutions for customers

special needs, for example Hydrin C consentrate containing
20 % NaBH 4 and 20 % NaOH, balance water.

STABILITY
The stability of sodium borohydride in solution that contains
water is dependent on the temperature and pH of the
solution. The hydrolysis reaction occurs evolving hydrogen
gas decreasing the stability of sodium borohydride, when
temperature is increased or pH is lowered.

DELIVERY AND TRANSPORT

REGULATIONS
Packaging
Bulk tank containers
IBC-containers 1400 kg
PE-plastic drums 300 kg
Packaging materials
Suitable materials for storage tanks and vessels are stainless
steel as well as alkaline resistant plastics. Aluminium and zink
are not acceptable.
Transport regulations
UN No
3320
IMDG class
8/II
ADR/RID class
8/II
Toxicity
The solution irritates and burns the skin and the mucous
membranes. Very hazardous in contact with eyes.

Stability of sodium borohydride 12% solution at different

temperatures.
H 2 (ml)/kg
NaBH 4 solution
500
95 C
400
300

80 C

200
100

50 C
1

40
20

Time (days)

60

1365

20

80

120

1380

15

The pH rose from the starting pH values 9 and 10 to near pH

11 during the decomposition reaction. The increase of the pH
was caused by the formation of the strongly basic metaborate
ion and it effected by decreasing the initial rate of hydrogen
evolution.

NaBH 4
LD50
CAS No
EINECS No

18 mg/kg ipr/rat
16940-66-2
241-004-4

NaOH
LD50
CAS No
EINECS No

140340 mg/oral/rat
1310-73-2
215-185-5

HANDLING AND STORAGE

DISPOSAL

Sodium borohydride solution is stable under normal conditions,

the decomposition is less than 0.1 % per year. During long
storage periods hydrogen may evolve solution into the space
above. Keep the containers in cool, dry and well ventilated
place away from water, acids (reacts vigorously generating
heat and hydrogen gas), oxidizing substances (reacts violently
or explosively) and chemically active metals (reacts releasing
hydrogen).

Dispose sodium borohydride solution according to the

local legislation. Small amounts of sodium borohydride
can be disposed by dilution with large excess of water and
neutralization of the sodium hydroxide with dilute inorganic
acids. Because ammable hydrogen gas is evolving during
neutralization it should be done in a well ventilated area
(fume hood) without open re or any ignition sources nearby.
The hydrolysis reaction is exothermic.

A ventilation line out is recommended. All closed containers

should have at least 10 % free volume and they should be
checked periodically. The recommended storage temperature
is 20 25 C (68 77 F). Recommended storage materials are
stainless steel and alkaline resistant plastics. Check also the
suitability of sealing materials with caustic.
Protective clothing, plastic or rubber gloves and boots and
eye or face protector should always be used when handling
the product. Please note that sodium borohydride solution is
strongly alkaline and corrosive.

FIRST AID
The sodium borohydride solution irritates and burns the skin
and the mucous membranes. It is especially hazardous in
contact with eyes.
Inhalation
Move to fresh air and rinse mouth with water. Consult a
physician.
Eye contact
Immediately rinse thoroughly with running water for at least
15 minutes and consult always a physician.
Skin contact
Wash off immediately with plenty of water for at least 15
minutes. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Cleanse
skin with soap and water including hair and under ngernails.
If irritation develops consult a physician.
Ingestion
Rinse mouth with water and immediately give several glasses
of water to drink. Seek medical advise immediately. Prevent
vomiting if possible.

Before using sodium borohydride please check carefully

the information on handling and precautions from the
Safety Data Sheet of our product. The instructions of the
local authorities are to be observed.

Derivatives of Sodium Borohydride

Sodium triacetoxyborohydride
NaBH(CH3COO) 3

Potassium Borohydride
KBH4

CAS Registry No.: 56553-60-7

CAS Registry No.: 13762-51-1

Product description
Sodium triacetoxyborohydride is a mild and selective reducing
agent. It is able to replace toxic sodium cyanoborohydride
under most conditions. It is selective in reducing aldehydes
to alcohols in the presence of ketones. STAB is also stable
in anhydrous acids, which enables reductive amination of
aldehydes and ketones. The advantage of STAB compared to
sodium cyanoborohydride is evident. STAB, being non-toxic, is
easier to handle and forms no toxic by-products, making the
treatment of wastes after the reaction simple and less costly.

Product description
Potassium borohydride is a mild selective reducing agent
with broad solubility in protic solvents. It is unique among
the hydrides in being completely stable in air under normal
atmospheric conditions. It differs from NaBH4 by being nonhygroscopic and being thermally more stable and less reactive
to oxidation. Hydrin KBH is used as an alternative to Sodium
borohydride NaBH 4 for its different solubility prole and in
systems that do not tolerate the presence of sodium.

Product properties
Sodium triacetoxyborohydride
content
min 95 %
Method of analysis
Gas-volumetric method
Molecular weight
211,94 g/mol
Relative density
1,374 kg/dm3
Appearance
white powder
Delivery and transport regulations
Standard packing 3 x 10 kg PE bag in steel drum. Delivery by
road, sea and air.
Shipping name
Sodium triacetoxy borohydride
UN Number
2813
Hazard Class
4.3
Packing Group
I
Storage and handling
Keep tightly closed in a dry, cool and well-ventilated area.
STAB decomposes in contact with water or moisture releasing
ammable hydrogen gas. It also decomposes when heated
above 80 C. Keep away from open ames, hot surfaces and
sources of ignition. Keep under nitrogen. Keep away from
acids, oxidizing agents and alcohols.

Product properties
KBH 4 content
Method of analysis
titration
Molecular weight
Bulk density
Appearance

min 98,0 %
Determination of KBH 4 by iodate
53,94 g/mol
0,400 kg/dm3
white powder

Delivery and transport regulations

Shipments all over the world by road, air and sea (container
and single consignments).
Shipping name
Potassium borohydride
UN Number
1870
Hazard Class
4.3
Packing Group
I
Storage and handling
Hydrin KBH has an unlimited lifetime under exclusion of
air and humidity. It should be kept away from re sources,
acids, oxidizing agents and transition metal salts. Potassium
borohydride is recommended to be kept in closed containers
in a dry, cool and well ventilated area. In case of re do not use
water, carbon dioxide or halocarbon extinguishers.

Before using borohydride products please check carefully the information on handling and precautions from the Safety Data
Sheet of our products. The instructions of the local authorities are to be observed.

Available on request:
Tetramethylammonium borohydride
(TMAB)
CAS Registry No.: 16883-45-7

Tetrabutylammonium borohydride
(TBAB)
CAS Registry No.: 33725-74-5

Appendix1. Solubility of sodium borohydride (g/100 g of solvent).

Solvent

Boiling point of
solvent C

Temperature C

Solubility g
NaBH 4 /100 g
solvent

Water

100.0

0
25
60

25.0 (decomp.) a
55.0 (decomp.) a
88.4 (decomp.) a

Methanol

64.7
78.5

20
20

16.4 (decomp.) a
4.0 (decomp.) a

Ethanol
Isopropanol

82.5

Tert. Butanol

82.5

20
60
25
60

0.25
0.88
0.11
0.18

177.0

20

14.0 (decomp.) a

Ammonia, liquid
Methyl Amine
Dimethyl Amine
Ethyl Amine

-33.3
-6.5
6.8
16.6

25
-20
2
17

104.0
27.6
4.0
20.9

Diethyl Amine
Triethyl Amine
N-propyl Amine
Isopropyl Amine
N-butyl Amine
Cyclohexyl Amine
Monoethanol Amine
Ethylene Diamine
Morpholine
Pyridine

55.2
89.3
48.7
34.0
77.8
134.5
170.0
118.0
128.3
115.3

Acetonitrile
Dimethyl Formamide (DMF)
Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO)
Tetrahydrofurane (THF)

82.0
153.0
100.0
65.0

20
20
28
28
28
28
25
75
25
25
75
28
20
25
20

1.0
1.0
9.7
6.0
4.9
1.8
7.7
22.0
1.4
3.1
3.4
0.9
18.0b
5.8 (decomp.) a
0.1

0
20
0
25
40
45
75

2.6
0.8
1.7
5.5
11.0
8.0
0.0

0
25
50
100
0
25
50
75
100
100

8.4
8.7
8.5
6.7
8.7
9.1
8.4
8.5
4.2
16.7

Tetrahydrofurfuryl Alcohol

Ethylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether

(monoglyme)
Diethylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether
(diglyme)

85.0
162.0

Triethylene Glycol Dimethyl Ether

(triglyme)

216.0

Tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether

(tetraglyme)

275.8

Ethylene glycol monomethyl ether

125.0

a)
b)

Decomposition can occur liberating hydrogen; ensure ventilation.

Caution: can react violently at higher temperatures.
Note: The data contained in this publication are based on our current knowledge and experience.
Because many factors may affect processing or application/use, we recommend that that you make
tests to determine the suitability of a product for your particular purpose prior to use. It is the responsability of the recipient of our products to ensure that any proprietary rights and existing laws and
legislation are observed.

Hydrinproducts
Hydrin Sodium borohydride is an effective and
selective reducing agent used in the manufacture
of pharmaceuticals and ne chemicals.
Hydrin P (powder)
sodium borohydride min. 98,0 %
particle size 0,01-0,1 mm
Hydrin GS (semigranular)
sodium borohydride min. 98,0 %
particle size 0,1-1,0 mm
Hydrin G (granular)
sodium borohydride min. 98,0 %
particle size 1,0-3,0 mm
Hydrin T (tablets)
sodium borohydride min. 98,0 %
tablet diameter 20 mm
Hydrin L (solution)
sodium borohydride
sodium hydroxide
water

12,0 %
40,0 %
48,0 %

Hydrin C (concentrate)
sodium borohydride
sodium hydroxide
water

20,0 %
20,0 %
60,0 %

Hydrin STAB
sodium triacetoxyborohydride min. 95,0 %
Hydrin KBH
potassium borohydride min. 98,0 %

Kemira Oyj
P.O. Box 330, FI-00101 Helsinki
Tel. +358 10 8611
Fax +358 10 862 1119
07/06

Finnish Chemicals Oy
P.O. Box 7, FI-32741 ets
Tel. +358 204 31 11
Fax +358 204 310 431
nnish.chemicals@kemira.com
www.nnishchemicals.com