THF vs. Diethyl Ether: Solvent Choice for Grignard Reagent Preparation

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SUMMARY

THF (Tetrahydrofuran) is preferred over diethyl ether as a solvent for preparing alkyl magnesium bromides due to its higher polarity and boiling point. THF's ability to coordinate with magnesium more effectively than diethyl ether enhances the reaction rate, which is temperature-dependent. Diethyl ether, with a boiling point near room temperature, is less suitable for reactions requiring elevated temperatures. Therefore, THF is the solvent of choice for Grignard reagent preparation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Grignard reagents
  • Knowledge of solvent properties, specifically polarity and boiling points
  • Familiarity with coordination chemistry
  • Basic principles of reaction kinetics
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Chemistry students, organic chemists, and researchers involved in synthetic organic chemistry, particularly those working with Grignard reagents and solvent selection.

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Homework Statement


Why is THF used as a solvent while preparing an alkyl magnesium bromide instead of diethyl ether?

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The Attempt at a Solution



THF and diethyl ether being polar solvents are able to co-ordinate to the magnesium. May be it is because THF, which is more polar than diethyl ether is able to co-ordinate when diethyl ether fails to do so that efficiently. Wiki says THF substitutes diethyl ether when a higher boiling solvent is required. Can anybody elaborate it for me?
 
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Wiki is correct. Diethyl ether boils at around room temperature while THF boils much higher. Rate of reaction is directly related to temperature.
 

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