High School

How are the following alcohols prepared by the reaction of a suitable Grignard reagent on methanal?

Answer :

Final answer:

The reaction of a suitable Grignard reagent with methanal (formaldehyde) can lead to the preparation of primary alcohols.

Explanation:

When a suitable Grignard reagent reacts with methanal (formaldehyde), it can lead to the formation of primary alcohols. This reaction involves the addition of the Grignard reagent to the carbonyl group of methanal, followed by the reaction with an acid to produce the alcohol.

For example, when a Grignard reagent like methyl magnesium bromide (CH3MgBr) reacts with methanal, it forms methanol (CH3OH). The reaction can be represented by the following equation:

CH3MgBr + HCHO → CH3OH

Similarly, other primary alcohols can be prepared by choosing appropriate Grignard reagents and reacting them with methanal. Alcohols can be synthesized from Grignard reagents and methanal through a nucleophilic addition reaction, where the Grignard reagent attacks the electrophilic carbonyl carbon of methanal, forming a primary alcohol after an acid workup.