Wurtz Limitation
Wurtz reaction is less suitable for synthesis of unsymmetrical alkanes because:
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About This Question
- Subject
- chemistry
- Chapter
- halogen organics
- Topic
- wurtz limitation
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Year
- 2025
Solution
Correct Answer:
Mixture of cross and symmetrical coupling products
- Wurtz Reaction: 2R−X+2Na→R−R+2NaX.
- Unsymmetrical attempt: If we use R−X and R′−X (e.g., Methyl chloride and Ethyl chloride).
- Randomness: The Sodium atoms cannot distinguish between R and R′. They will couple any two radicals that meet.
- Products:
- R−R (Ethane)
- R′−R′ (Butane)
- R−R′ (Propane)
- Problem: A mixture of three different alkanes is formed. Their boiling points are often close, making separation difficult. Thus, it's efficiently used only for symmetrical alkanes.
This medium difficulty chemistry question is from the chapter halogen organics, covering the topic of wurtz limitation. It appeared in the 2025 exam.
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