Grignard Reagents

A description of the application of the classical Grignard reaction to industrial syntheses in batchwise equipment is given. The discussion excludes reactions which involve the intermediate formation of other organometallic compounds from the Grignard reagent and applies particularly to the synthesis of alcohols from Grignard reagents and carbonyl compounds. The formation of Grignard reagent, reaction with a carbonyl compound, hydrolysis of the complex, and isolation of the product are discussed with reference to a fairly detailed flow sheet of an operating plant. Other processes proposed for the industrial application of the Grignard reaction are mentioned briefly. Also included is a general discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of the Grignard reaction as an industrial process, with some indication of the economics of the process.