Question

Which of the following(s) depicts the reason for the use of dry ether as solvent in Wurtz reaction?

• A. Sodium does not reacts with dry ether
• B. Sodium reacts with polar aprotic solvent
• C. Sodium reacts with polar protic solvent
• D. Sodium reacts vigorously with dry ether

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B), (C)

Sodium reacts with polar protic solvent

Wurtz reaction is the reaction of symmetrical alkyl halide in presence of Na and dry ether to give even and symmetrical alkane as product.
The reagent used here is metallic sodium which reacts with apolar solvent like acetone.
Also, it reacts vigorously with polar protic solvents, such as $H_{2}O,ROH$. Hence, these solvents are not suitable.
But sodium does not react with dry ether. Also, dry ether keeps the reaction conditions dry and free from moisture.
Hence, option (a), (b) and (c) are correct.