Question Detail

CHM 102 General Chemistry II: Properties and Reactions of Ethers Objective Question
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Question

Why is tetrahydrofuran (THF) a good solvent for Grignard reagents?
Options
A It is nonpolar
B It can coordinate to the magnesium through its lone pairs
Correct Answer
C It is very reactive
D It has a high boiling point
Correct Answer

Option B is the correct answer.

Detailed Explanation

THF (a cyclic ether) has oxygen lone pairs that can coordinate to the magnesium atom in Grignard reagents, stabilizing them and keeping them in solution.

Hint

Lewis basic oxygen stabilizes the organomagnesium.

Question Info

Course: CHM 102
Topic: General Chemistry II: Properties and Reactions of Ethers
Type: Objective
Difficulty: Not specified
Question 440 of 1999
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