RUI: Rates and Mechanism of Grignard Reagent Formation by In situ Photomicrography of Magnesium Surfaces and Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy

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Walter Bowyer and his undergraduate students at Hobart and William Smith Colleges will investigate the mechanism of Grignard reagent formation with the support of this forty-two month continuing grant from the Analytical and Surface Chemistry Program. The surface of the reacting magnesium metal will be characterized using photomicrography, scanning electrochemical microscopy, and kinetic studies. The goal of this research is to develop a fundamental, detailed understanding of the surface processes involved when alkyl halides react with metallic magnesium to form synthetically important Grignard reagents. Grignard reagents are among the most commonly utilized organic reagents, however, the factors controlling the production of these species are not well understood. In this research project, designed for undergraduate participation, Professor Bowyer and his students will characterize the mechanism of reagent formation occuring at the surface of magnesium metal. The results from these studies will permit much better control of the synthesis of these extraordinarily useful reagents that are employed broadly in commercial processes.