Borohydride

[1] Borohydride or hydroborate is also the term used for compounds containing [BH4−nXn]−, where n is an integer from 0 to 3, for example cyanoborohydride or cyanotrihydroborate [BH3(CN)]− and triethylborohydride or triethylhydroborate [BH(CH2CH3)3]−.

They synthesized lithium borohydride Li[BH4] from diborane B2H6:[4][5] Current methods involve reduction of trimethyl borate with sodium hydride.

[2] Sodium borohydride is also used to reduce aldehydes and ketones in the production of pharmaceuticals including chloramphenicol, thiophenicol, vitamin A, atropine, and scopolamine, as well as many flavorings and aromas.

[8] Reminiscent of related work on ammonia borane, challenges are associated with slow kinetics and low yields of hydrogen as well as problems with regeneration of the parent borohydrides.

In its coordination complexes, the borohydride ion is bound to the metal by means of one to three bridging hydrogen atoms.