Efficient Reducing Reagent

Sodium bis(2-methoxyethoxy)aluminum dihydride (1) has reducing properities comparable to lithium aluminum hydride. However, it does not ignite when exposed to moist air or O₂ , which makes it safer and easier to handle. In addition, 1 is thermally stable and has greater solubility in aromatic solvents and ethers than LiAlH₄, making it a valuable alternative reducing reagent. Also, under certain reaction conditions, selective reductions are possible.¹⁾ For example, the carbonyl groups of unsaturated carbonyl compounds are selectively reduced to their corresponding alcohols without overreducing the olefins.^1a)