Question

explain why all glassware must be dry and the solvent anhydrous during formation and reaction of a grignard reaction. Further, explain whether acetone would be a viable solvnt for a generation of a grignard reagent. include one or more balanced chemical equations in your answer.

Answer 1

Q:- Explain why all glassware must be dry and the solvent anhydrous during formation and reaction of a grignard reaction ?

Ans :- Because, Grignard reagent (RMgX) react with moisture (H₂O) to gives alkanes as the products.

For example :-

RMgX + H₂O (Moisture) -----------------> R-H (Alkane) + Mg(OH)X.

Hence, all glassware must be dry and the solvent anhydrous during formation and reaction of a grignard reaction .

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Q:- Explain whether acetone would be a viable solvnt for a generation of a grignard reagent ?

Ans :- No, because Grignard reagent (RMgX) react with acetone (CH₃COCH₃) to gives tertiary alcohol as the products.

For example :-

Step-1. RMgX + CH₃COCH₃ -----------------> (CH₃)₂RCO^-Mg⁺X

Step-2. (CH₃)₂RCO^-Mg⁺X + H⁺/H₂O ------------> (CH₃)₂RC-OH (Tertiary alcohol) + Mg(OH)X

Hence, acetone would not be a viable solvent for a generation of a grignard reagent