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Equations for the sodium borohydride reduction of a ketone

Accepted Answer

The reduction of a ketone with sodium borohydride (NaBH4) generally follows this equation:
R2C=O + NaBH4 + 4H2O → R2CHOH + NaBO2 + 4H2
Where:
R2C=O represents the ketone
NaBH4 is sodium borohydride
R2CHOH is the resulting alcohol
This reaction involves the hydride ion (H-) from NaBH4 attacking the carbonyl carbon of the ketone, leading to the formation of an alkoxide intermediate. Subsequent protonation with water yields the corresponding alcohol.

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