d. The addition of the ethereal bromobenzene solution has to be carried out in a way that the reaction maintains a gentle boil. A slow addition also reduces the temperature in the reaction and suppresses the formation of biphenyl because the formation of the
Why did the bromobenzene solution need to be added slowly to the reaction?
It is advised that the bromobenzene solution be added slowly to the magnesium-ether solution so that it isn't present in a high concentration, thus reducing the amount of by-product formed.
Why was it important to add the bromobenzene slowly to the mixture containing magnesium and ether?
Over several minutes, slowly add the remaining bromobenzene/ether solution, making sure that the reaction does not boil too vigorously. It is important to control the addition of bromobenzene to avoid the rapid evolution of heat.