Borohydride is a chemical compound that has gained significant attention in the field of chemistry due to its unique properties. It is a compound that is commonly used in the reduction of organic compounds and is also used in the production of hydrogen gas. In this article, we will discuss the definition and meaning of borohydride, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and examples of its usage.
Definitions
Borohydride is a compound that is made up of boron and hydrogen. Its chemical formula is BH4-. It is a reducing agent that is commonly used in organic chemistry reactions to reduce carbonyl compounds to alcohols. It is also used in the production of hydrogen gas.
Origin
The origin of borohydride can be traced back to the early 20th century when it was first synthesized by Alfred Stock. He discovered that by reacting sodium borohydride with hydrochloric acid, boron trihydride was produced. The compound was later renamed borohydride.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, borohydride is defined as “any of several salts containing the anion BH4- and used especially as reducing agents in organic chemistry.”
The Oxford dictionary defines borohydride as “a salt containing the anion BH4-, used as a reducing agent in organic chemistry.”
Associations
Borohydride is commonly associated with organic chemistry and is used as a reducing agent in many organic reactions. It is also associated with the production of hydrogen gas, as it is used in the production of sodium borohydride, which is a source of hydrogen gas.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of borohydride include boron trihydride, boron hydride, and borohydride ion.
Antonyms
As borohydride is a compound, it does not have an antonym.
The same root words
Borohydride does not have any root words, as it is a compound made up of boron and hydrogen.
Example Sentences
- Sodium borohydride is commonly used as a reducing agent in organic chemistry reactions.
- The production of hydrogen gas from sodium borohydride is an important process in the field of energy.
- The borohydride ion is a strong reducing agent that is often used to reduce carbonyl compounds to alcohols.