Grignard Reagent Reaction - Grignard Preparation

Grignard reagents can be prepared by the reaction of magnesium and alkyl halides (halogenoalkane) or aryl halides in an ether solvent (diethyl ether). The flask is fitted with a reflux condenser, and the mixture is warmed over a water bath for 15-30 minutes. Grignard preparation must be carried out in the ether for two reasons as ether stabilizes the Grignard compound. Moreover, ethers are not protic solvents, which would destroy the Grignard compound. Tetrahydrofuran solvent is another popular choice of solvent for the synthesis of Grignard reagents. Everything must be perfectly dry because Grignard reagents react with water.