Question

Which of the following Grignard reagents is suitable for the preparation of $3$ -methyl- $2$ -butanol?

• A. $2$ -Butanone $+$ methyl magnesium bromide
• B. Acetone $+$ ethyl magnesium bromide
• C. Acetaldehyde $+$ isopropyl magnesium bromide
• D. Ethyl propionate $+$ methyl magnesium bromide

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Methyl magnesium bromide reacts with $2$-butanone to form $2$-methyl-$2$-butanol in two steps. The first step involves the nucleophilic attack of the Grignard reagent to the carbonyl group to form an adduct. The second step involves acidic hydrolysis of adduct to form alcohol.