Question:

Which of the following compounds will not react with Mg metal in the presence of ether to give a Grignard reagent?

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Always check for acidic hydrogen before predicting Grignard formation.
Updated On: Apr 23, 2026
  • CH$_2$=CHBr
  • CH$_3$CH$_2$I
  • CH$_2$OHCH$_2$Br
  • CH$_3$COCH$_3$
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Concept: Grignard reagents (RMgX) are formed when alkyl/aryl halides react with Mg in dry ether. However, any compound containing an acidic hydrogen (–OH, –NH, –SH) prevents their formation because it reacts with the Grignard reagent.

Step 1:
Analyze each option
(A) CH$_2$=CHBr → forms Grignard reagent
(B) CH$_3$CH$_2$I → forms Grignard reagent
(C) CH$_2$OHCH$_2$Br → contains –OH group
(D) CH$_3$COCH$_3$ → no halogen, so irrelevant here

Step 2:
Effect of –OH group
The –OH group has acidic hydrogen which reacts with RMgX: \[ \text{RMgX} + \text{ROH} \rightarrow \text{RH} + \text{Mg(OR)X} \] Conclusion:
Thus, CH$_2$OHCH$_2$Br does not form Grignard reagent.
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