Grignard reaction with carbon dioxide followed by acid workup yields what product?

Prepare for the ACS Organic Chemistry Test with multiple choice questions and comprehensive explanations. Utilize flashcards for quick learning and gain confidence for your exam day!

Multiple Choice

Grignard reaction with carbon dioxide followed by acid workup yields what product?

Explanation:
Grignard reagents add to carbon dioxide to form a carboxylate, which on acidic workup becomes a carboxylic acid. The carbon of the Grignard acts as a nucleophile and attacks the electrophilic carbon of CO2, giving a magnesium carboxylate (RCO2MgX). When you then treat this with acid, the carboxylate is protonated to yield the carboxylic acid (RCO2H). The new carbon chain includes one extra carbon from CO2, so you effectively extend the chain by one carbon and end up with a carboxylic acid. For example, CH3MgBr + CO2 -> CH3CO2MgBr; H3O+ gives CH3CO2H (acetic acid). This pathway is distinct from formation of alcohols, ketones, or ethers, which involve different reagents or steps.

Grignard reagents add to carbon dioxide to form a carboxylate, which on acidic workup becomes a carboxylic acid. The carbon of the Grignard acts as a nucleophile and attacks the electrophilic carbon of CO2, giving a magnesium carboxylate (RCO2MgX). When you then treat this with acid, the carboxylate is protonated to yield the carboxylic acid (RCO2H). The new carbon chain includes one extra carbon from CO2, so you effectively extend the chain by one carbon and end up with a carboxylic acid. For example, CH3MgBr + CO2 -> CH3CO2MgBr; H3O+ gives CH3CO2H (acetic acid). This pathway is distinct from formation of alcohols, ketones, or ethers, which involve different reagents or steps.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy