Answer :
Final answer:
The option b) No, Grignard reagents cannot be used in protic conditions such as with an alcohol reagent because they will be deactivated by protonation. Anhydrous and aprotic solvents are essential for successful Grignard reactions.
Explanation:
No, Grignard reagents are incompatible with protic conditions. Grignard reagents are strong bases and thus are very reactive towards protic solvents such as alcohols, water, and carboxylic acids. Contact with these solvents would result in the deactivation of the Grignard reagent through protonation, rather than the intended nucleophilic addition reactions that lead to alcohol product formation when reacting with aldehydes, ketones, or esters.
When planning a synthesis involving a Grignard reaction to form alcohols, it's crucial to avoid any functional groups that could react with the Grignard reagent, including those that contain protons that are even slightly acidic. Instead, use of anhydrous and aprotic solvents is essential for the successful formation and reaction of Grignard reagents. It's important to recognize that while Grignards are versatile in forming carbon-carbon bonds, they have limitations and require controlled conditions for successful reactions.
Use of a protecting group is one strategy to allow the formation and reaction of Grignard reagents on a molecule that otherwise contains reactive groups. This involves temporarily converting the alcohol into a less reactive group, conducting the Grignard reaction, and then removing the protecting group to regenerate the alcohol functionality.
