Question

Grignard reagents are air-and moisture-sensitive. List at least threereactants, solvents, and/or techniques that were utilized in the experimental procedure to minimize exposure of the reactants to air and/or moisture.

Answer 1

Diethylether (DTH) andTetrahydrofuran (THF).

Explanation:

• Grignard reactions reacts with water forming alkanes.
• The water present causes the reagent to decompose rapidly.      

• So, the solvents which are utilized in the experimental procedure to minimize exposure of the grignard reagents to air and/ormoisture are solvents such as anhydrous diethyl ether or tetrahydrofuran(THF), poly(tetramethylene ether) glycol (PTMG).

• The reason for the use of these solvents is the oxygen present in these solvents stabilizes the magnesium reagent.

• THF (Tetrahydrofuran) is a stable compound.