what is wurtz reaction

The Wurtz reaction is a coupling reaction in organic chemistry, organometallic chemistry and recently inorganic main group polymers, whereby twoalkyl halides are reacted with sodium to form a new carbon-carbon bond:

2R-X + 2Na → R-R + 2Na⁺X⁻

When alkyl halide combine with each other resulting in presence of Sodium metal in ether leading to the  formation of an alkane is called Wurtz reaction. The reaction proceeds through through a carboanion intermediate and after that a SN2 substitution take place in alkyl halide resulting in formation of alkanes.

Mostly symmetrical products r produced by Wurtz reaction. Formation of Unsymmetrical alkanes result in the formation of various byproducts.  

When an alkyl halide is treated with sodium in dry ether a symmetrical alkane containing twice the no. Obtained.

•  Alkyl halides on treatment with sodium in presence of dry ether gives higher alkanes (containing even number of carbon atoms).

R-X + 2Na + X-R --------> R-R + 2NaX

R = alkyl group

X = Halogen