Question

The solvent used in Wurtz reactions is:

• A. $C_2{H}_{5}OH$
• B. $C{H}_{3}COOH$
• C. $H_{2}O$
• D. $C_2{H}_{5}O{C}_2{H}_5$ (dry)

Answer 1

The correct option is D $C_2{H}_{5}O{C}_2{H}_5$ (dry)

The Wurtz reaction, named after Charles-Adolphe Wurtz, is a coupling reaction in organic chemistry, whereby two alkyl halides are reacted with sodium in presence of dry ether to form a new alkane.

Dry ether is the solvent used in Wurtz reaction because ‘Na’ reacts vigorously with water, so, inert solvent is required to prevent interference with the reaction.
For example : $C{H}_3-I+2Na+I-C{H}_3\underset{△}{\overset{\text{dry ether}}{\to }}C{H}_3-C{H}_3+2NaI$
Therefore, the correct answer is option (d).