High School

In this reaction, an excess of the Grignard reagent (CH₃MgI) is used. What happens to this reagent in the hydrolysis step?

Answer :

Final answer:

The excess Grignard reagent in the hydrolysis step reacts with water to form the corresponding hydrocarbon and magnesium hydroxide, effectively terminating the reaction.

Explanation:

In the hydrolysis step of a reaction involving a Grignard reagent such as CH3MgI, excess reagent is typically quenched with water to terminate the reaction. The Grignard reagent reacts readily with water, leading to the formation of the corresponding hydrocarbon. For instance, methylmagnesium iodide (CH3MgI) undergoes hydrolysis to yield methane (CH4) and magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)I). The hydrolysis process converts the highly reactive Grignard reagent into less reactive species, effectively stopping further reactions. It's critical to note that in the presence of functional groups like nitriles, aldehydes, or ketones, Grignard reagents can add across these groups before hydrolysis to form various organic products, such as alcohols, ketones or related compounds.