Question

What is the reaction of epoxide with grignard reagent?

Answer 1

The reaction of a Grignard with an epoxide results in a primary alcohol, with a chain length 2 carbons longer than the original chain.

Explanation:

`R-MgX + C_2H_4O rarr R-CH_2CH_2OMgX`

Clearly, the usual aqueous work-up will result in `RCH_2CH_2OH`, a primary alcohol that is 2 carbons longer than the original Grignard chain. Obviously this alcohol can be further elaborated to give for example an acid, an halide, or an olefin.