Sodium borohydride

Sodium borohydride (CAS 16940-66-2), also known as sodium hydroborate, sodium tetrahydroborate, and under trade names such as Borol and Hidkitex DF, is an inorganic reducing agent supplied as a white crystalline powder or in stabilised aqueous solution. It is classified under Salts & Minerals and carries no assigned E-code.

In pharmaceutical synthesis, sodium borohydride selectively reduces ketones and aldehydes to alcohols under mild conditions, making it a standard reagent in active ingredient manufacturing. In pulp and paper processing, it prevents chromophore formation during bleaching by reducing residual lignin structures, improving and stabilising final brightness. Water treatment applications use its reducing capacity to precipitate heavy metals from industrial effluent streams.

Sodium borohydride is available in technical and pharmaceutical-grade forms, with solution concentrations typically ranging from 10 to 40 percent. Relevant compliance frameworks include REACH registration requirements for EU supply. Packaging formats commonly include stabilised aqueous solutions in IBC containers and solid material in sealed drums.