Lithium aluminum hydride (LiAlH₄; LAH) is a more reactive reducing agent than NaBH₄ that will effect the same reduction. Because alcohols and water react violently with LAH, they cannot be used as solvents. Diethyl ether or tetrahydrofuran (THF) are solvents of choice. Each of the hydrides of LAH is an effective reducing agent. Usually, excess reducing agent is used and at the end of the experiment the excess LAH is consumed by the cautious addition of an aqueous, saturated solution of Na₂SO₄ or aqueous NaOH. Alcohols (methanol or ethanol) may also be used. Back