Selectivity of Grignard Reagent Formation: From Semibatch to Continuous Lab and Pilot Scale

The formation of Grignard reagents from metallic magnesium and a halide is often accompanied by the formation of the Wurtz coupling product, an undesired side product formed by the reaction of a Grignard reagent molecule with a halide molecule. By using a scale-up approach from semibatch type synthesis to continuous lab and pilot scale for various Grignard reagents, it is demonstrated that a continuous production process can improve Grignard reagent selectivity and reduce Wurtz coupling.