Experiment: Grignard Synthesis of Triphenymethanol

Title References:
Rosenberg, Robert. (2010). Experimental Organic Chemistry: Howard University Edition. Virginia
Beach, VA: Acedemx Publishing Services, Inc.

McMurry, John. (2008). Organic Chemistry, 7th Edition. Mason, Ohio: Cengage Learning.

Syntheses of triphenylmethanol using the Grignard reagent Phenylmagnesium bromide

Abstract
A Grignard reaction was demonstrated in order to produce triphenylmethanol from the use of the reagents bromobenzene and phenylmagnesium bromide. This was accomplished by first creating the Grignard Reagent (phenylmagnesium bromide). To do this refluxing of bromobenzene with magnesium and anhydrous ether was done. The Grignard reagent produced was placed in a round bottom flask. Next, a solution of methyl benzoate and ether was slowly mixed into the flask while refluxing was being performed. Upon completion of the reaction, the crystals were isolated using ligroin and vacuum filtration. Analysis of the IR spectra and melting point supported these results. The significance of these findings shows how thoroughly the experiment was carried out.
Introduction
The Grignard reagent can easily be formed by the reaction of an alkyl halide, in this case bromine, with magnesium metal, in anhydrous diethyl ether. The reaction takes place at the surface of the metal, and the ether plays the role as both the reactant and the solvent. As a result, the Grignard reagent is produced at the surface of the metal. This experiment is taken for granted because from the appropriate carbonyl compounds or alkyl halides, almost any alcohol can be formed.
Experimental
The first step on the process was making the Grignard reagent. Then, 1.0 g of magnesium turnings were added to a 250 mL round-bottom flask. Then, 5.0 mL of bromobenzene and 10 mL of diethyl ether were also added into the flask