grignard formation

Question

Formation of Grignard reagent fails in presence of:

RankGuru · Accepted Answer

1. **Synthesis**: Grignard reagents ($RMgX$) are prepared by the reaction of Magnesium metal with alkyl halides in **dry ether**.
2. **Nature**: Grignard reagents are extremely strong bases and nucleophiles.
3. **Reactivity with Water**: They react instantaneously with any source of protons (acidic hydrogens) like water, alcohols, or amines.
4. **Mechanism**: $RMgX + H-OH 	o R-H + Mg(OH)X$.
5. **Failure**: Even a trace of **moisture** will decompose the reagent into simple alkanes, preventing the desired synthetic application. Therefore, anhydrous conditions are mandatory.

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grignard formation

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