Grignard Reaction
An Overview of Reagents, Reactions,
and Applications
What is the Grignard Reaction?
• • The Grignard Reaction forms carbon–carbon
bonds.
• • It involves a Grignard reagent (R–Mg–X)
reacting with a carbonyl compound.
• • Produces alcohols depending on the type of
carbonyl used.
• • Requires dry (anhydrous) conditions.
Formation of Grignard Reagent
• • Grignard reagents are formed by reacting an
alkyl/aryl halide with magnesium in dry ether.
• • General formula: R–X + Mg → R–Mg–X (in
dry ether)
• • Must avoid water, as it destroys the reagent.
General Reaction Mechanism
• • Grignard reagent attacks the electrophilic
carbon of a carbonyl group.
• • Forms a new C–C bond, followed by
protonation with H₃O⁺.
• • Yields a primary, secondary, or tertiary
alcohol based on carbonyl type.
Examples of Grignard Reactions
• 1. CH₃MgBr + HCHO → CH₃CH₂OH (Primary
alcohol)
• 2. CH₃MgBr + CH₃CHO → CH₃CH(OH)CH₃
(Secondary alcohol)
• 3. CH₃MgBr + CH₃COCH₃ → (CH₃)₃COH
(Tertiary alcohol)
Applications & Precautions
• • Used in organic synthesis to build complex
molecules.
• • Important in pharmaceutical and industrial
chemistry.
• • Requires strict dry conditions due to
sensitivity to moisture.
