BRAINCAKEGrignard Reagents and Carbonyl Compounds
Grignard reagents react with aldehydes and ketones to form alcohols, with a new carbon-carbon bond.
The δ− carbon of the Grignard reagent acts as a nucleophile and attacks the δ+ carbon of the C=O group (nucleophilic addition). This forms an intermediate magnesium alkoxide, which is then hydrolysed with dilute acid to give the alcohol. The reaction is carried out in dry ether.
R'MgX + R2C=O → R2R'C-OMgX → R2R'C-OH
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All 11 lessons in Organic Synthesis · All Edexcel A-level Chemistry topics