What is the main product when propanal is treated with excess Grignard reagent followed by hydrolysis?

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Q: What is the main product when propanal is treated with excess Grignard reagent followed by hydrolysis?

Solution: The reaction of propanal with excess Grignard reagent followed by hydrolysis yields propan-2-ol.

Steps: 7

Step 1: Start with propanal, which is an aldehyde with the formula CH3CH2CHO.
Step 2: Add excess Grignard reagent (like CH3MgBr) to propanal. The Grignard reagent acts as a nucleophile and attacks the carbonyl carbon of propanal.
Step 3: This reaction forms a new compound called an alcoholate intermediate.
Step 4: Since we used excess Grignard reagent, another molecule of Grignard can react with the alcoholate to form a more complex intermediate.
Step 5: Now, we need to perform hydrolysis. This means we add water (H2O) to the reaction mixture.
Step 6: The hydrolysis step converts the alcoholate intermediate into a stable alcohol.
Step 7: The final product after hydrolysis is propan-2-ol, which is a secondary alcohol.