Chapter 14: Organometallic Compounds |
Reactions of RLi and RMgX with Aldehydes and Ketones
Reactions usually in Et2O or THF followed by H3O+
work-ups
Reaction type: Nucleophilic Addition
Summary
NUCLEOPHILIC
ADDITION OF RLi or RMgX TO AN ALDEHYDE |
|
Step 1:
The nucleophilic C in the organometallic reagent adds to the electrophilic C in the polar carbonyl group, electrons from the C=O move to the electronegative O creating an intermediate metal alkoxide complex. |
|
Step 2:
This is the work-up step, a simple acid/base reaction. Protonation of the alkoxide oxygen creates the alcohol product from the intermediate complex. |
© Dr. Ian Hunt, Department of Chemistry |