The ammonium chloride solution was used in the Grignard reaction to:
a. facilitate formation of the Grignard reagent
b. hydrolyze the magnesium alkoxide to form the product alcohol
c. activate the acetone for addition to the Grignard reagent
d. moderate the reaction so it would not get too vigorous
e. convert the Grignard to a halide by SN1 substitution
Answer: b. hydrolyze the magnesium alkoxide to form the product alcohol