Aldehydes and Ketones
11.0 Reformatsky Reaction
11.0 Reformatsky Reaction
A similar reaction like the addition of organometallic compounds on carbonyl compounds that involves the addition of an organozinc reagent to the carbonyl group of an aldehyde or ketone. This reaction, called Reformatsky reaction, extends the carbon skeleton of an aldehyde or ketone and yields $\beta $-hydroxy esters. It involves treating an aldehyde or ketone with an $\alpha $-bromo ester in the presence of zinc metal; the solvent most often used is benzene. The initial product is a zinc alkoxide, which must be hydrolysed to yield the $\beta $-hydroxy ester.
The intermediate in the reaction appears to be an organozinc reagent that adds to the carbonyl group in a manner analogous to that of a Grignard reagent.
