Abstract The Grignard reaction with 2-, 3-or 4-halogenoalkoxysilanes does not lead to stable organomagnesium derivatives. Besides, or sometimes instead of, the normally expected elimination, a coupling or a disproportionation reaction takes place. It is shown that this unexpected behaviour occurs via free radical species at the surface of the magnesium, the process involving quite a long life time for the free radical intermediate Me 3 SiO (Full-size ...
