Reduction of carbonyls
Reduction of carbonyls
Formula
RCHO + 2[H] → RCH₂OH
Real World
NaBH₄ is used in forensic labs to reduce ketone-based drugs like methcathinone back to pseudoephedrine, helping police trace illegal synthesis routes.
Exam Focus
Name the reducing agent and solvent (NaBH₄ in water/methanol); state whether the product is a primary or secondary alcohol for full marks.
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