Explain why organolithium compounnds are more reactive than organomagnesium compounds.
The electronegativity of C, Mg, and Li is 2.55, 1.31 and 0.98 respectively1. Thus, C-Li bond in organolithium is more polarised than C-Mg bond in organomagnesium (Grignard Reagent). This would make C-Li more nucleophilic in nature than C-Mg. Hence, organolithum compounds are more reactive than organomagnesium compounds.
Post Label(s):
Chemistry
