[noodlesoup]

hi guys,
i have a question about Grignard reaction. I know Grignard reagents are very basic thus they readily react with water or any compound that contain hydroxyl function. however, I wonder why in the Grignard reaction, water is added as a work-up for the reaction.  what is its purpose? does anyone have any idea. Thank you.

[nj_bartel]

To quench the reaction - i.e. anything from react with the unreacted grignard, protonate a alkoxide oxygen, etc.