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Grade 12th passOrganic Chemistry

why wurtz reaction is not usually preferred to prepare higher alkanes containing oddnumber of atoms ?
explain with example

Profile image of kavya
8 Years agoGrade 12th pass
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1 Answer

Profile image of Arun
8 Years ago

Wurtz reaction is limited for the synthesis of symmetrical alkanes (alkanes with an even number of carbon atoms) In the reaction, two similar alkyl halides are taken as reactants and an alkane, containing double the number of carbon atoms, are formed. Example:

 

Wurtz reaction cannot be used for the preparation of unsymmetrical alkanes because if two dissimilar alkyl halides are taken as the reactants, then a mixture of alkanes is obtained as the products. Since the reaction involves free radical species, a side reaction also occurs to produce an alkene. For example, the reaction of bromomethane and iodoethane gives a mixture of alkanes.

 

The boiling points of alkanes (obtained in the mixture) are very close. Hence, it becomes difficult to separate them