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Why are ethers commonly used as a solvent for Grignard reagent preparations? Select all answers that apply.

A) Ethers are non-reactive towards Grignard reagents.
B) Ethers can stabilize the Grignard reagents.
C) Ethers can solvate the Grignard reagents.
D) Ethers can enhance the reactivity of Grignard reagents.
E) Ethers can prevent unwanted side reactions.

Answer :

Final answer:

Ethers are chosen as solvents for Grignard reagent preparations due to their non-reactivity with Grignard reagents, and their ability to stabilize and solvate them, thus facilitating the desired chemical reactions while preventing degradation of the reagents.

Explanation:

Ethers are commonly used as solvents in Grignard reagent preparations because of several key properties that make them suitable for such reactions. Firstly, ethers are non-reactive towards Grignard reagents, which is crucial since Grignard reagents are highly reactive and can be decomposed by other solvents. Secondly, ethers have the ability to solubilize and stabilize the Grignard reagents, which is important for doing the reactions effectively.

The lone pair on the oxygen in ethers can coordinate to the magnesium atom in Grignard reagents, thus stabilizing the reactive species. This coordination helps in preventing unwanted side reactions that could degrade the Grignard reagent. Furthermore, ethers can easily solvate polar and ionic compounds, which is valuable because Grignard reagents often need to react with such species.

Considering all these factors, ethers, like diethyl ether or tetrahydrofuran (THF), provide an ideal environment for Grignard reactions to occur. They help maintain the reactivity of the Grignard reagent while preventing its decomposition and also facilitating the main reaction by dissolving both the organic substrate and the Grignard reagent.

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