EtMgX
EtMgX refers to an ethylmagnesium halide, a Grignard reagent in which an ethyl group (Et) is bound to magnesium, accompanied by a halide (X = Cl, Br, or I). These reagents are highly reactive organomagnesium compounds used as nucleophiles and bases in organic synthesis. They are typically generated by reacting ethyl halides with magnesium metal in dry ether solvents such as diethyl ether or tetrahydrofuran (THF). The reagents are air- and moisture-sensitive and are usually prepared and used under strictly anhydrous conditions; they are pyrophoric and must be stored under inert gas.
In typical reactions, EtMgX transfers the ethyl group to electrophilic centers. With carbonyl compounds, reaction with
EtMgX is a versatile building block for constructing aliphatic chains and for forming alcohols, carboxylic acids,