What is the product of a grignard reaction of bromotoluene and co2 as starting materials?
The product of a Grignard reaction between bromotoluene and CO2 is benzoic acid. To explain how to arrive at this answer, let's break it down step by step:
1. The first step in this reaction is the formation of a Grignard reagent. A Grignard reagent is formed by reacting an alkyl or aryl halide (in this case, bromotoluene) with magnesium metal in anhydrous ether or a similar solvent. This reaction creates a new carbon-magnesium bond and generates a negatively charged carbon atom.
2. After the Grignard reagent is formed, it reacts with CO2. The carbon atom in the Grignard reagent acts as a nucleophile and attacks the carbon dioxide molecule. This results in the formation of a new carbon-carbon bond and the addition of a carbonyl group (C=O) to the Grignard reagent.
3. The addition of the carbonyl group creates a carboxylate intermediate. In the case of bromotoluene, the addition occurs specifically at the benzene ring, resulting in the formation of a carboxylate group attached to the ring.
4. Finally, the carboxylate intermediate is treated with acid (e.g., HCl or H2SO4) to protonate the oxygen atom. This step transforms the carboxylate group (-COO-) into a carboxylic acid group (-COOH). The resulting product is benzoic acid.
In summary, when bromotoluene and CO2 are combined in a Grignard reaction and then subsequently treated with acid, the product obtained is benzoic acid.