Abstract

Rate measurements are reported for the reduction of acetone pivalaldehyde, and benzaldehyde by sodium and tetramethylammonium tetrahydridoborates in dimethyl–sulphoxide–water systems, some containing a low concentration of sodium hydroxide to impede the hydrolysis of tetrahydridoborate. The reactions obey second-order kinetics. The rate constants decrease as the water content of the solvent is reduced but, with the most reactive substrate (benzaldehyde), the reduction is still detectable even in a solvent not containing any added water. Evidence has been obtained that the reduction product of benzaldehyde in dimethyl sulphoxide solution is sodium tetrakisbenzyloxyborate, which is readily hydrolysed to benzyl alcohol. A condensation product of benzaldehyde and dimethyl sulphoxide (2-methylsulphinyl-1-phenylethanol) has been isolated as a by-product. Attempts to trap borane during the reduction gave negative results.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.