What is sodium borohydride used for in chemical reactions?

Sodium borohydride (NaBH₄) is a crystalline compound primarily utilized as a reducing agent in organic chemistry and various industrial applications.12

As a source of the tetrahydridoborate anion (BH₄⁻), it is highly valued for its ability to facilitate specific reduction reactions. Beyond its direct use in synthesis, sodium borohydride serves as a primary starting material for the preparation of other boranes on both laboratory and industrial scales. For example, it is used to produce diborane through reactions with iodine or anhydrous acids.23

Compared to other metal hydrides, such as lithium aluminum hydride, sodium borohydride is noted for its greater thermal and chemical stability, making it a versatile and reliable tool for chemists.2