Reduction of Solid Benzophenones with Sodium Borohydride

The solvent-free reduction of benzophenone and five substituted benzophenones with sodium borohydride to the corresponding alcohols was studied by thermal analysis, X-ray powder diffractometry, NMR spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. In most cases, the reaction occurs via liquid eutectic phases that are formed between the benzophenone and the resulting benzohydrol. Nevertheless, this reaction can be carried out without the need for a solvent, leading to pure alcohol without side products. In some cases, heating may be necessary to achieve a reasonably short reaction time. In conclusion, this reaction type appears to be feasible as a preparative organic reaction that avoids a solvent.This revised version was published online in November 2005 with corrections to the Cover Date.