Grignard reaction: A carbonyl addition reaction between a Grignard reagent (R-MgX) with an aldehyde or ketone to produce an alcohol.

Grignard reaction of PhMgBr with formaldehyde gives a primary alcohol. The reaction follows the standard carbonyl addition mechanism.


Grignard reaction of CH₃MgBr with an aldehyde such as benzaldehyde (PhCHO) gives a secondary alcohol. The reaction follows the standard carbonyl addition mechanism.


Grignard reaction of (CH₃)₃CMgI with a ketone such as acetone gives a tertiary alcohol. The reaction follows the standard carbonyl addition mechanism.