Reagent Passports
Reagent Passports are short reference pages for what a reagent usually does, where it fails and what traps appear in exams or lab planning.
Current passports
Section titled “Current passports”Reagent Selection MapChoose a reagent from transformation goal, scope and selectivity risk.Sodium BorohydrideMild hydride reagent for aldehydes and ketones.Lithium Aluminium HydrideStrong hydride reagent for carboxylic acid derivatives and carbonyl compounds.PCCControlled oxidant for primary and secondary alcohols.
Selection guide
Section titled “Selection guide”| Task | Start with | Check next |
|---|---|---|
| Reduce aldehyde or ketone | NaBH4 | Functional group tolerance and solvent. |
| Reduce ester or carboxylic acid | LiAlH4 | Dry conditions and work-up. |
| Oxidise primary alcohol to aldehyde | PCC | Whether aqueous strong oxidant would over-oxidise. |
Maintenance rule
Section titled “Maintenance rule”Every reagent page should include formula, type, common use, scope, limitations, safety context and exam traps.