grignard reagents are formed by the action of an alkyl or aryl halide on magnesium metal. the reaction is conducted by adding the organic halide to a suspension of magnesium in an ether, which provides ligands required to stabilize the organomagnesium compound. typical solvents are diethyl ether and tetrahydrofuran. oxygen and protic solvents such as water or alcohols are not compatible with grignard reagents. the reaction proceeds through single electron transfer.