During the synthesis of 2-methyl-2-butanol, a chemist reacts a ketone with a Grignard reagent. Which specific combination of reactants is required?
Q1. During the synthesis of 2-methyl-2-butanol, a chemist reacts a ketone with a Grignard reagent. Which specific combination of reactants is required?
Answer: Acetone and ethyl magnesium bromide
Explanation: Acetone (3 carbons) plus Ethyl MgBr (2 carbons) yields the 5-carbon tertiary alcohol 2-methyl-2-butanol. Butanone is tempting but yields a 6-carbon alcohol.