The carbon-magnesium bond in Grignard reagents is covalent but highly polar, with carbon pulling electrons from magnesium. Grignard reagents are highly reactive and react with proton sources, such as water and alcohols, to give corresponding hydrocarbons.
Describe the nature of the carbon-magnesium bond in Grignard reagents and their reactivity towards proton sources.
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The carbon-magnesium bond in Grignard reagents is highly polarized, with carbon carrying a partial negative charge and magnesium a partial positive charge. This polarity results from the electronegativity difference between carbon and magnesium. Grignard reagents are strong nucleophiles due to the electron-rich nature of the carbon atom. They react vigorously with proton sources, such as water (moisture in the air), alcohols, or acids. The carbon atom in the Grignard reagent attacks the proton source, leading to the formation of an alkane and a magnesium hydroxide or magnesium alkoxide byproduct. This reactivity makes Grignard reagents incompatible with water-containing environments.