Borohydride

/ˌbɔːroʊˈhaɪdraɪd/ noun

Definition

A chemical compound made of boron and hydrogen, especially sodium borohydride, which is a powerful reducing agent used in chemistry labs and industry.

Etymology

From 'boro-' (boron, from Arabic buraq) + 'hydride' (from hydrogen + '-ide' suffix meaning binary compound). Borohydrides were first synthesized in the 1940s by chemist Herbert C. Brown, revolutionizing organic chemistry.

Kelly Says

Sodium borohydride is like a chemical magician's wand—it can donate hydrogen atoms to break down and transform complex molecules, which is why it's essential in laboratories for making everything from pharmaceuticals to fine chemicals.

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