Which reagent is commonly used for the reduction of carbonyl compounds?

The reduction of carbonyl compounds is a critical reaction in organic chemistry, as it transforms carbonyl groups into alcohols. Among the reagents mentioned, lithium aluminum hydride is a very strong reducing agent known for its ability to reduce a wide range of carbonyl-containing functional groups, including aldehydes and ketones, into their corresponding alcohols. It does so by donating hydride ions, which effectively reduces the carbonyl carbon.

In contrast, sodium borohydride is also a reducing agent, but it is milder than lithium aluminum hydride. While sodium borohydride can effectively reduce aldehydes and ketones, it is generally not as reactive as lithium aluminum hydride with certain substrates, particularly esters and carboxylic acids, which may require the stronger reducing capability of lithium aluminum hydride.

Hydrogen gas can be used in reduction reactions, but it typically requires a catalyst, such as palladium or platinum, for effective hydrogenation, and it is not commonly the reagent of choice for reducing carbonyls directly.

Potassium permanganate serves as an oxidizing agent rather than a reducing agent. It is utilized in reactions where oxidation of alcohols to carbonyls occurs, making it unsuitable for the reduction