Sodium cyanoborohydride

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Sodium cyanoborohydride
Other names	Sodium cyanotrihydridoborate
Identifiers
CAS number	[25895-60-7]
Properties
Molecular formula	NaBH3CN
Molar mass	62.84 g/mol
Appearance	white to off-white powder hygroscopic
Density	1.20 g/cm³, solid
Melting point	241°C (decomposes)
Solubility in water	soluble
Hazards
EU classification	not listed
NFPA 704	3 4 2
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references

Sodium cyanoborohydride (NaBH₃(CN)) is a chemical compound.

Conditions/substances to avoid are: heat, flame, ignition sources, water, moist air, strong acids and strong oxidizers.^[1]

Strong acids on sodium cyanoborohydride release cyanide. The slow decomposition of sodium cyanoborohydride by water in the atmosphere also causes the release of cyanide and care must be taken when opening containers, as the gas can build up within.

[edit] Uses

Sodium cyanoborohydride is a mild reducing agent, ideal for reducing imines selectively in the presence of aldehydes or ketones. This makes it excellent for performing reductive aminations and this reaction is known as the Borch Reaction.^[2] Even though the molecule is water sensitive it can be used to perform reactions in an aqueous environment.^[3]

[edit] References

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