et2o?

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JDHK

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In a reduction reaction of carbonyls with the compound LiAlH4 and et2o, what is the purpose of et2o? I understand the mechanism by which LiAlH4 will reduce the carbonyl, but wouldn't et2o possibly get in the way of the attack of the carbon by the H-AlH4? What if the free electrons from Et2o (base) attacks the carbonyl compound instead? That would be an addition reaction.. I probably shouldn't be thinking about these what ifs and just memorize the way it is, but I'm curious. Thank you!
 
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JDHK said:
In a reduction reaction of carbonyls with the compound LiAlH4 and et2o, what is the purpose of et2o? I understand the mechanism by which LiAlH4 will reduce the carbonyl, but wouldn't et2o possibly get in the way of the attack of the carbon by the H-AlH4? What if the free electrons from Et2o (base) attacks the carbonyl compound instead? That would be an addition reaction.. I probably shouldn't be thinking about these what ifs and just memorize the way it is, but I'm curious. Thank you!
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Et2O = ether

The ether is just the aprotic solvent that is there and has no effect on the reduction of carbonyls.
 
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