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Reactions of RLi and RMgX with Aldehydes and Ketones

reaction of RLi or RMgX with aldehydes and ketones
Reactions usually in Et2O or THF followed by H3O+ work-ups

Reaction type:  Nucleophilic Addition

Summary

Related Reactions
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.
addition of Grignard reagent to an aldehyde
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.

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organic chemistry © Dr. Ian Hunt, Department of Chemistry University of Calgary