CH 12-3: Grignard Reaction-I Important multi-step synthesis for making new C-C bonds, and 1o, 2o, and 3o alcohols. The 3-step series of reactions includes the unique reaction of an alkyl halide (R-X) with magnesium metal (Mg) to form a C-Mg “organic-metallic” bond: The “Grignard Reagent” is essentially a carbon nucleophile in the form of a coordinate covalent bond. The Grignard Reagent then reacts with an oxygen compound (aldehyde, ketone, ester, epoxide) to produce a new C-C bond and an alcohol.

Grignard Reaction General reaction (three parts):

Grignard Reaction – Step by step Part I. For carbon to be a nucleophile it must be activated by forming an organometallic compound (Grignard Reagent). Alkyl halides react with Mg metal in ether solvent to form the “Grignard Reagent” containing a coordinate covalent bond. The metal stabilizes the carbon-anion.

Part II. The Grignard reagent is: (1) a strong base (2) a good nucleophile The key reaction is addition to electrophilic C-O compounds to form alcohols: Grignard reagent

Part III. Add dilute acid to neutralize the basic salt.