Question

Which of the following reactions produce alkane having even number of C atoms?

• A. Wurtz reaction having same alkyl halides except tertiary alkyl halide as reactant
• B. Kolbe's electrolysis having same ‘Na’/’K’ salt of a carboxylic acid as reactant
• C. Catalytic hydrogenation
• D. Decarboxylation

Answer 1

The correct option is A Wurtz reaction having same alkyl halides except tertiary alkyl halide as reactant

In Wurtz reaction when same alkyl halides except tertiary alkyl halides are used as reactant, alkanes containing even number of carbons are produced.

Option (b) is not correct because in case of 2,2-dimethylbutanoic acid, alkanes with odd number of carbons are formed. It will not form major product by coupling instead disproportionation will take place to give alkane and alkene.

So, the correct answer will be option (a).