Question

Convert methyl magnesium bromide to ethanol

Answer 1

Methyl magnesium bromide can be converted into ethanol by reacting with formaldehyde. In which there is nucleophilic addition of Grignard reagent to the carbonyl group to form an adduct which on hydrolysis gives ethanol.

HCHO + CH₃MgBr → CH₃CH₂OH + Mg(OH)X

If we take other aldehydes instead of formaldehyde, secondary alcohol is obtained as a product and on reacting Grignard reagent with ketone, tertiary alcohol is obtained as product.

Answer 2

Answer:

EtMgBr + HCHO   → ${CH_{3}CH_{2} OMgBr} + H_{3} O^{+}$ →   $CH_{3} CH_{2} OH$

Explanation:

Here ethylmagnesium bromide acts as nucleophile , attacks on carbonyl carbon of formaldehyde followed by hydrolisis  give the desired product