During the preparation of a tertiary alcohol by a Grignard reaction, the reaction mixture was shaken with a saturated sodium chloride solution. What is the purpose of the saturated sodium chloride solution?

A) To neutralize any excess Grignard reagent
B) To remove any impurities from the reaction mixture
C) To quench the reaction and stop the formation of the Grignard reagent
D) To separate the organic layer from the aqueous layer
E) To prevent the formation of unwanted side products

The purpose of shaking the reaction mixture with saturated sodium chloride solution during the preparation of a tertiary alcohol by a Grignard reaction is (C) to quench the reaction and stop the formation of the Grignard reagent.

Explanation:

The purpose of shaking the reaction mixture with saturated sodium chloride solution during the preparation of a tertiary alcohol by a Grignard reaction is to quench the reaction and stop the formation of the Grignard reagent.

Saturated sodium chloride solution can hydrolyze the excess Grignard reagent to produce an alkane, which prevents the formation of unwanted side products. It also helps in separating the organic layer from the aqueous layer by promoting the formation of two immiscible layers.

In summary, the saturated sodium chloride solution helps to control the reaction and prevent the formation of unwanted byproducts during the Grignard reaction.