Hexane will not work as a solvent for a Grignard because it cannot complex with the Mg, acting as a Lewis base. True or False??
Grignard reagent is synthesized by reaction between Mg turnings and alkyl halide.
Mg + R-X R -Mg-X (Grignard reagent or alkyl magnesium halide)
Ethyl ether or THF are solvent used for Grignard reagent formation because lone pair electrons from ether or THF molecules form a complex with the magnesium in the Grignard reagent (shown below). This complex helps stabilize the organometallic and increases its ability to react. However, hexane being an aliphatic hydrocabon, donot have any lone pair cannot act as lewis base and cosequently cannot be used as a solvent in Grignard reagent synthesis.
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