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Simple sonochemical protocols for fast and reproducible Grignard reactions

“…The activation of magnesium turnings for the preparation of organomagnesium halides (the Grignard reagent) and the subsequent initiation of the Grignard reaction still makes for a tricky procedure during which chemists moderately heat iodine, 1,2-dibromomethane or TMSCl in freshly distilled ethereal solvents 1 or toluene 2 under dry argon or nitrogen. Although several investigations have tried to replace tetrahydrofuran (THF), 3 it remains the solvent of choice because of its high Mg 2+ coordinating capacity and ability to stabilize the products. Practical limitations and safety concerns have emerged from its use in industrial applications due to the large amount of heat released during the initiation step in low-boiling point media.…”