I've been very interested in using Grignard reagents for some of the synthesis posted on the hive but I've found it a problem getting Magnesium.
The only place that looks promising in the UK and doesn’t just sell ribbon has minimum order of 57 kilo of (150 to 200 mesh) powder.
I've been thinking of the reduction of magnesium sulphate with sodium made by electrolysis.
I've thought of mixing the two then under an argon atmosphere at about 100c going as far up as 650c or 700c to allow the Mg to sink to the bottom of a stainless steel pot or cylinder. Or would it?
If it were possible to do it that way would the NaSO4 be a problem when added along with Mg in a Grignard reagent?
Another question to any one that might have an answer, if you need to make carbonyl chloride but don’t have thionyl chloride can you use phosgene gas I’m wondering because the easy with which it can be made and the similarity between phosgene and thionyl chloride.
I know that it is a very dangerous gas (was used in one of the world wars) so no one would advise the use of it but if Phosgene could be used and the Magnesium can be reduced then I see there being no need to ever contact a chemical supply store again.