[xshadow]

Hi

At lesson it  has been said that NaBH₄ should be used at pH ≈ 10 or higher. when it reduces carbonylic compounds..because at lower pH values NaBH4 can be degradated.

My question is in which species  it can be decomposed?
At low pH the difference is that I have much H⁺ so can it happen something like this:

BH4^-  +  H⁺  --->  BH₃  +  H₂ 
And perhaps Na+  --> Na(s) ??  (there should be a specie that undergoes reduction)

thanks

[rolnor]

The borane formed would react with water:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borane

You dont really think sodium metal would form, do you?

[xshadow]

The borane formed would react with water:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borane

You dont really think sodium metal would form, do you?

thanks
Yeah ,wouldn't have sense