Reaction of Grignard reagents with carbonyl compounds under continuous flow conditions

This contribution details how a continuous flow reactor was used to react carbonyl compounds with
Grignard reagents at room temperature in an efficient and safe manner. Flow rate, residence time and
temperature were optimized for the preparation of a small collection of secondary and tertiary alcohols.
Excellent yields and general applicability were observed using the set-up protocol. The procedure was
also applied for the preparation of Tramadol, an analgesic drug belonging to the opioid group. The
developed conditions allowed the selective addition of Grignard reagents to aldehydes and ketones in
the presence of a nitrile function.