LiAlH₄ (LAH)
LiAlH₄ (LAH) in organic chemistry: what it does, when to use it and what to watch out for. Covers Reductions, Epoxides, Carbonyl chemistry.
Overview
LiAlH₄ (LAH) is a reagent used in organic chemistry. Below is what it does in each reaction type where it appears.
Reductions
- What it does: Powerful reduction
- Works on: Aldehydes, ketones, esters, acids, amides, nitriles
- Watch out for: Reacts violently with water; requires workup
Epoxides
- What it does: Reductive opening
- Attack: Less substituted carbon
Carbonyl chemistry
- What it does: Carbonyl reduction
- Product: Alcohol
Carboxylic acids & derivatives
- What it does: Acid/ester → 1° alcohol
- Important point: Strong reduction
Example
Ethyl acetate reacts to give Ethanol (both fragments) (Et₂O or THF, then aqueous workup).