Abstract:

The preparation of triphenylmethanol is a classic teaching experiment in the field of chemistry and serves as an important combination of organic chemistry theory and practical laboratory skills. However, the experiment has a low success rate due to the complexity of the apparatus, difficulties in handling Grignard reagents, and the strict requirements for anhydrous and oxygen-free conditions. Moreover, repeated solvent transfers result in solvent exposure for both teachers and students. In this study, we designed and constructed a continuous flow apparatus for the preparation of Grignard reagents using a medium-pressure syringe pump and a fixed-bed continuous flow reactor, achieving the continuous production of triphenylmethanol. The continuous flow apparatus for Grignard reagent preparation is simple to assemble, completely eliminates organic solvent exposure for teachers and students, and exhibits good reproducibility in the conversion of bromobenzene to Grignard reagent. Within this continuous flow setup, the preparation of Grignard reagents is stable, controllable, and safe. Excess magnesium turnings do not require quenching and can be reused.

Key words: Preparation of triphenylmethanol, Grignard reagent, Continuous flow