Why is LiAlH4 Stronger at Reducing than NaBH4? - Organic Chemistry

So you've probably heard that LiAlH4 - Lithium Aluminium Hydride is stronger than NaBH4 - Sodium Borohydride in class. But have you ever wondered why exactly is this the case? Well I discuss the 3 main reasons behind why LiAlH4 is able to reduce carboxylic acids, esters, amides, and other less reactive molecules versus sodium borohydride that primarily reduces ketones and aldehydes, and is ineffective against Carboxylic Acids.

●The three main reasons are:
1) Difference in Electronegativity of Boron versus Aluminium
2) Difference in reactivities of Ketones and Aldehydes versus Carboxylic Acids.
3) Difference in the strengths of the counterions: Sodium and Lithium.

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