The Reformatsky reaction (sometimes spelled Reformatskii reaction) is an organic reaction which condenses aldehydes (or ketones), 1, with α-halo esters, 2, using a metallic zinc to form β-hydroxy-esters, 3. It was discovered by Sergey Nikolaevich Reformatsky.
The organozinc reagent, also called a 'Reformatsky enolate', is prepared by treating an alpha-halo ester with zinc dust. Reformatsky enolates are less reactive than lithium enolates or Grignard reagents and hence nucleophilic addition to the ester group does not occur.
Some reviews have been published.
Read more about Reformatsky Reaction: Structure of The Reagent, Variations
Famous quotes containing the word reaction:
“Christianity was only a very strong and singularly well-timed Salvation Army movement that happened to receive help from an unusual and highly dramatic incident. It was a Puritan reaction in an age when, no doubt, a Puritan reaction was much wanted; but like all sudden violent reactions, it soon wanted reacting against.”
—Samuel Butler (1835–1902)