(1) Sodium borohydride NaBH₄ is another reagent used for reduction of polar unsaturation but has limited uses as it is less reactive than LiAlH₄. NaBH₄ is used to reduce aldehydes and ketones. Sodium borohydride does not reduce carboxylic acids, esters, amides etc.

(2) Sodium borohydride NaBH₄ is used to reduce secondary and tertiary alkyl halides and sulphonates into corresponding alkanes. Primary alkanes are less reactive than towards Sodium borohydride NaBH₄.