There are many reagents that are useful for the reduction of various carbonyl
compounds. The complex hydrides NaBH4 and LiAlH4 are among the most useful
reagents available for the conversion of carbonyl compounds to alcohols. Sodium
borohydride is the less reactive of the two; for example, esters and acids are not affected.
Sodium borohydride is very convenient to use, since reactions can be carried out in
aqueous or alcoholic solutions. The reduction of bicyclic ketones such as camphor and