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

[GPhab]

Homework Statement

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

Homework Equations

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?

 

[chemisttree]

Wiki is correct. Diethyl ether boils at around room temperature while THF boils much higher. Rate of reaction is directly related to temperature.