The reaction of ethyl magnesium bromide with water would give [1999]a)...
Reaction Overview
The reaction of ethyl magnesium bromide, which is a Grignard reagent, with water is an important reaction in organic chemistry. Grignard reagents are highly reactive organomagnesium compounds that can react with various electrophiles.
Reaction Mechanism
- Ethyl magnesium bromide (C2H5MgBr) consists of a nucleophilic ethyl group (C2H5-) and a magnesium bromide component.
- When it comes into contact with water (H2O), the nucleophilic ethyl group attacks the electrophilic hydrogen in water.
Products of the Reaction
- The primary product formed in this reaction is ethane (C2H6).
- The overall reaction can be summarized as:
- C2H5MgBr + H2O → C2H6 + Mg(OH)Br
- Here, the ethyl group (C2H5-) from the Grignard reagent combines with a hydrogen atom from water to produce ethane.
Why Ethyl Alcohol is Incorrect
- While ethyl alcohol (ethanol) is formed in some Grignard reactions with carbonyl compounds, in this case, the direct reaction with water does not lead to the formation of alcohol.
- Instead, the high reactivity of the Grignard reagent with water leads to the formation of ethane and magnesium hydroxide bromide.
Conclusion
- Therefore, the correct answer to the question regarding the product of the reaction between ethyl magnesium bromide and water is option A: Ethane.
Understanding this reaction highlights the reactivity of Grignard reagents and their role in organic synthesis.