If, by mistake, a chemist used 100% ethanol rather than diethyl ether as the reaction solvent, would the Grignard synthesis still proceed as expected?

No. The ethanol would quench the Grignard reagent if the GR was added separately, or the GR would not form if carried out in ethanol.

If a chemist mistakenly used 100% ethanol instead of diethyl ether as the reaction solvent for a Grignard synthesis, the reaction would likely not proceed as expected. This is because the reaction conditions for a Grignard synthesis typically require the use of anhydrous (water-free) solvents, such as diethyl ether or tetrahydrofuran (THF).

Ethanol is a polar solvent, which means it has different properties than nonpolar solvents like diethyl ether. One of the main purposes of using diethyl ether in a Grignard synthesis is to stabilize the reactive Grignard reagent, allowing it to react with the desired organic substrate. Ethanol, being a polar solvent, is not suitable for stabilizing the Grignard reagent.

Additionally, ethanol contains a hydroxyl group (-OH), which is a potential source of nucleophilicity. This can lead to unwanted side reactions, such as the inactivation or decomposition of the Grignard reagent.

In summary, using 100% ethanol instead of diethyl ether as the reaction solvent for a Grignard synthesis would likely not result in the expected reaction outcome.

No, if a chemist mistakenly used 100% ethanol instead of diethyl ether as the reaction solvent in a Grignard synthesis, the reaction would not proceed as expected.

The Grignard synthesis involves the reaction of an alkyl or aryl halide with a Grignard reagent, typically an organomagnesium halide, to form a new carbon-carbon bond. Diethyl ether is commonly used as the reaction solvent because it acts as a non-reactive medium, dissolves both the reactants, and stabilizes the Grignard reagent.

Ethanol, on the other hand, is a different solvent with different properties. While it can also dissolve some organic compounds, it is not suitable for the Grignard reaction due to several reasons:

1. Reactivity: Ethanol is more reactive than diethyl ether and can easily react with the Grignard reagent, thereby consuming it and preventing it from participating in the desired reaction.

2. Nucleophilicity: Ethanol is a weaker nucleophile compared to diethyl ether, which limits its ability to undergo the necessary nucleophilic attack required for the Grignard reaction.

3. Stability: The Grignard reagents are highly sensitive to moisture and other impurities, which can cause their decomposition. Ethanol contains water, which can react with the Grignard reagent and result in its decomposition or side reactions.

To ensure the success of a Grignard reaction, it is important to use diethyl ether or another suitable solvent that meets the necessary criteria: non-reactive, good solubility for both the reactants, and stability with the Grignard reagent. Depending on the specific reaction and compounds involved, other solvents like tetrahydrofuran (THF) or dimethyl ether (DME) may also be used.