Note: Reduction by addition of hydride ion equivalent

Note: NaBH4 is not strong enough to reduce carboxylic acid equivalents, only aldehydes and ketones

Note: NaBH₄ is only strong enough to reduce aldehydes and ketones. It will not work on carboxylic acid derivatives like esters.

Note: Carbonyl reduction to an alcohol by hydride addition

Note: Carbonyl reduction to an alcohol by hydride addition

Note: Just like any other aldehyde or ketone, aldoses can be reduced to alcohols with NaBH4.