MHT CET Chemistry Question (2026) — Solution

Step-by-step solution

The reaction of methyl bromide and ethyl bromide with sodium metal in dry ether is an example of the Wurtz reaction. The alkyl free radicals formed during the reaction are methyl radical (CH_3^ ) and ethyl radical (C_2H_5^ ). These radicals can undergo self-coupling as well as cross-coupling to give a mixture of alkanes: CH_3^ + CH_3^ CH_3-CH_3 (Ethane) C_2H_5^ + C_2H_5^ CH_3-CH_2-CH_2-CH_3 (n-Butane) CH_3^ + C_2H_5^ CH_3-CH_2-CH_3 (Propane) 2-methyl propane cannot be formed by the coupling of methyl and ethyl radicals. Therefore, 2-methyl propane is not obtained in this reaction. Answer: 2-methyl propane