last updated Wednesday, May 12, 2004

Problem set  Meeting 12 


1. For the Grignard reaction, water should be excluded as much as possible. How is this  accomplished in this reaction?

2.  How do you know that the reaction started? How can you initiate the reaction?

3. Why is sulfuric acid added during the work-up of the reaction? Show appropriate chemical equations.

4. Why is it important to mix the bromobenzene and the diethyl ether before pouring it into the addition funnel?

5. During the Grignard work-up, aqueous sodium hydroxide is used. Why? Show appropriate chemical equations.

6. Why are alcohols not used as solvents for Grignard reactions?

7. Why are alkyl bromides preferentially used as starting materials for the formation of Grignard reagents?