Illustrated Glossary of Organic Chemistry

Diisobutylaluminum hydride (DIBAL; DIBAH; DIBAL-H): An organometallic compound featuring an aluminum atom bonded to a hydrogen atom and to two isobutyl groups. Used to reduce an ester or a nitrile to an aldehyde.

Bond-line structure of diisobutylaluminum hydride.


Diisobutylaluminum hydride reduces an ester to an aldehyde.


Diisobutylaluminum hydride reduces a nitrile to an aldehyde.