Step 1: Understand what a Grignard reagent is
A Grignard reagent has the general formula RMgX, where:
- R = alkyl or aryl group
- Mg = magnesium
- X = halogen (Cl, Br, or I)
It is an organomagnesium compound, commonly used in organic synthesis for forming carbon-carbon bonds.
Step 2: Preparation of Grignard reagent
Grignard reagents are prepared by reacting an alkyl or aryl halide (R–X) with magnesium metal in dry ether:
R–X + Mg → R–Mg–X
This reaction must be carried out in anhydrous (dry) conditions, as Grignard reagents react vigorously with water.
Step 3: Reactivity of Grignard reagent
Grignard reagents are highly reactive due to the polar carbon-magnesium bond. The carbon is nucleophilic and can attack electrophilic centers like carbonyl groups.
For example:
R–Mg–X + H₂C=O → R–CH₂–OH (a primary alcohol after hydrolysis)
Step 4: Eliminate correct statements
If the options included statements such as:
- “Grignard reagent is reactive with water.” → This is correct.
- “Grignard reagent is used to prepare alcohols.” → This is correct.
- “Grignard reagent is an organomagnesium compound.” → This is correct.
Step 5: Identify the incorrect statement
The statement “It is an organomanganese compound” is incorrect.
Reason: Manganese (Mn) is not involved in Grignard reagents. They are organomagnesium compounds, involving magnesium (Mg) only.
Final Answer:
The incorrect statement is: “It is an organomanganese compound”
This is because it misrepresents the chemical identity of Grignard reagents.