Benzophenone reacts with phenylmagnesium bromide in ether solution to make triphenylmethanol after acid workup. Which of the following experimental mistakes will decrease the effectiveness of a Grignard reaction?
a) the glassware was not dried before use
b) the magnesium ribbon is insoluble in ether
c) the magnesium ribbon was not wiped clean before use
d) the fume hood was too cold
Answer: a) the glassware was not dried before use
and
c) the magnesium ribbon was not wiped clean before use