COMEDK2022ChemistryHaloalkanes and Haloarenes
Which of the product is not possible in Wurtz reaction?
Options
- AMethane
- BEthane
- CPropane
- DButane
Correct answer
A. Methane
Step-by-step solution
The Wurtz reaction involves the coupling of two alkyl halide molecules in the presence of sodium metal and dry ether to form a symmetrical alkane with an even number of carbon atoms. The general reaction is 2RX + 2Na R-R + 2NaX . Since the reaction involves the combination of two alkyl groups, the resulting alkane must contain at least two carbon atoms (if methyl halides are used) or an even number of carbon atoms if higher alkyl halides are used. Specifically, the product R-R will always have an even number of car