Question

Which of the following compounds cannot be prepared singly by the Wurtz reaction?

• A. $C_2{H}_6$
• B. ${\left(C{H}_3\right)}_{2}CHC{H}_3$
• C. $C{H}_{3}C{H}_{2}C{H}_{2}C{H}_3$
• D. All of the above can be prepared

Answer 1

The correct option is B ${\left(C{H}_3\right)}_{2}CHC{H}_3$

${\left(C{H}_3\right)}_{2}CHC{H}_3$ cannot be prepared singly by the Wurtz reaction. Unsymmetrical alkanes cannot be suitably obtained by this method. A mixture of two different alkyl halides is heated with sodium metal, three different alkanes will be produced.