Grignard addition to carbonyls (RMgX adds to C=O; acidic workup gives alcohol (1° from H₂CO, 2° from aldehyde, 3° from)
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RMgX adds to C=O; acidic workup gives alcohol (1° from H₂CO, 2° from aldehyde, 3° from ketone)
What each symbol means
| Symbol | What it stands for |
|---|---|
| C=O | Carbonyl electrophile |
| RMgX | Grignard reagent |
When to use this
Anhydrous ether; exclude water and acidic protons until workup; formaldehyde → 1° alcohol, other aldehyde → 2°, ketone → 3°.