MHT CET Chemistry Question (2026) — Solution

Step-by-step solution

In the Wurtz reaction, alkyl halides react with sodium in dry ether to form alkanes through the coupling of alkyl radicals. The given mixture contains ethyl iodide (C_2H_5I) and n-propyl iodide (C_3H_7I). The free radicals generated are the ethyl radical (C_2H_5^ ) and the n-propyl radical (C_3H_7^ ). The possible coupling products are: 1. Self-coupling of ethyl radicals: C_2H_5^ + C_2H_5^ C_4H_ 10 (n-Butane) 2. Cross-coupling of ethyl and n-propyl radicals: C_2H_5^ + C_3H_7^ C_5H_ 12 (n-Pentane) 3. Self-coupling of n-propyl radicals: C_3H_7^ + C_3H_7^ C_6H_ 14 (n-Hexane) Propane (C_3H_8) would require the coupling of a methyl radical (CH_3^ ) and an ethyl radical (C_2H_5^ ). Since methyl iodide is not present in the mixture, propane is not obtained as a coupling product. Answer: Propane