Question
What are the recommended solvents for the reduction reagent lithium aluminum hydride (LiAlH4) in the ketone reduction experiment?
Answers
GPT-4o mini
In the reduction of ketones using lithium aluminum hydride (LiAlH4), the choice of solvent is crucial because LiAlH4 is a strong reducing agent and reacts vigorously with protic solvents (like water or alcohols). The recommended solvents for this reaction are typically:
1. **Diethyl Ether** - This is a commonly used solvent for reductions with LiAlH4 due to its ability to solvate the aluminum species and its inertness towards the reducing agent.
2. **THF (Tetrahydrofuran)** - THF is another popular solvent as it can dissolve LiAlH4 well and is stable under the reaction conditions.
Both of these solvents can effectively dissolve LiAlH4 and the ketone substrate, facilitating the reduction reaction without undergoing unwanted side reactions. After the reaction, typically water or a dilute acid is carefully added to quench the excess LiAlH4 and work up the reaction mixture.
1. **Diethyl Ether** - This is a commonly used solvent for reductions with LiAlH4 due to its ability to solvate the aluminum species and its inertness towards the reducing agent.
2. **THF (Tetrahydrofuran)** - THF is another popular solvent as it can dissolve LiAlH4 well and is stable under the reaction conditions.
Both of these solvents can effectively dissolve LiAlH4 and the ketone substrate, facilitating the reduction reaction without undergoing unwanted side reactions. After the reaction, typically water or a dilute acid is carefully added to quench the excess LiAlH4 and work up the reaction mixture.