Why are ethers commonly used as a solvent for Grignard reagent preparations?
a) Ethers are non-toxic and non-flammable.
b) Ether's high vapor pressure helps to prevent moisture from entering the reaction vessel.
c) Ethers have high boiling points, so the reaction can be performed hot.
d) The lone-pairs of electrons on the ether solvate the magnesium ion.
Answer: b) Ether's high vapor pressure helps to prevent moisture from entering the reaction vessel.
and
d) The lone-pairs of electrons on the ether solvate the magnesium ion.