MHT CET202525 Apr 2025Morning ShiftChemistryHaloalkanes and HaloarenesActual
Which of the following is NOT obtained when mixture of methyl bromide and ethyl bromide is treated with sodium metal in presence of dry ether?
Options
- AEthane
- BPropane
- CButane
- DPentane
Correct answer
D. Pentane
Step-by-step solution
Wurtz reaction of alkyl halides with sodium in dry ether yields alkanes via self-coupling and cross-coupling. For methyl bromide ( CH₃Br ) and ethyl bromide ( CH₃CH₂ Br ), the products arise from three distinct pathways. Self-coupling of methyl bromide: 2 CH₃Br + 2 Na dry ether CH₃CH₃ + 2 NaBr , yielding ethane. Self-coupling of ethyl bromide: 2 CH₃CH₂ Br + 2 Na dry ether CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₃ + 2 NaBr , yielding butane. Cross-coupling: CH₃Br + CH₃CH₂ Br + 2 Na dry ether CH₃CH₂CH₃ + 2 NaBr , yielding propane. The alkanes ob