Addition of LiAlH4 to ketones to give secondary alcohols

Description: Addition of lithium aluminum hydride to ketones leads to formation of secondary alcohols (after addition of acid) [private_ReactionGuide]

Notes: The precise identity of the acid is not generally important

Examples:

Notes: Lots of different acids can be used in the last step. It’s not important which specific acid is used, just that something is present that can form the alcohol.

Mechanism: LiAlH4 is a source of hydride (H–) and the reaction begins with 1,2-addition of hydride to the carbonyl of the ketone (Step 1, arrows A and B). Upon addition of acid, the oxygen is protonated (Step 2, arrows C and D) to give the neutral alcohol.

Notes:  The choice of H2O / H2SO4 as acid isn’t crucial here. Any strong acid will do.

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