Learn about Grignard reagents, organometallic compounds formed by reacting alkyl halides with magnesium metal in ether. Discover their structure, properties, and applications in organic synthesis, such as adding to carbonyl compounds and esters. Reactions of Grignard reagents with epoxides, aldehydes, ketones, esters, and acid, plus the mechanism for why Grignards add twice to esters. Chemistry Grignard Reaction MechanismWhat is a Grignard Reagent ? A Grignard reagent , also known as an organomagnesium halide, is a chemical compound with the general formula RMgX, where R is an organic group and X is a halide (usually chlorine, bromine, or iodine). Grignard reagents are widely used in organic chemistry as nucleophilic reagents , particularly for the formation of carbon-carbon bonds. Preparation of Grignard Reagents Grignard reagents are typically prepared by the reaction of ... Grignard reagents are highly reactive and widely used in organic synthesis for creating new carbon-carbon bonds, particularly in forming alcohols through the Grignard reaction with carbonyl compounds.