Which solvent is essential for preparing a Grignard reagent and why?
ABenzene, to solvate the halide
BDry diethyl ether, to coordinate Mg
CWater, to ionise the halide
DEthanol, to protonate the alkyl group
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. Dry diethyl ether, to coordinate Mg
Dry ether coordinates to magnesium through lone pairs on oxygen, stabilising the Grignard.
Water (or any protic solvent) destroys the reagent: $RMgX + H_2O \to RH + Mg(OH)X$.
Even traces of moisture kill the reaction.
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