Question

Wurtz reaction is used to prepare:

• A. Alkyl halides
• B. Symmetrical alkanes
• C. Unsymmetrical alkanes
• D. All of these

Answer 1

The correct option is B Symmetrical alkanes

Alkyl halides on treatment with sodium metal in dry ethereal (free from moisture) solution give higher alkanes. This reaction is known as Wurtz reaction and is used for the preparation of higher alkanes containing even number of carbon atoms.
$RX+2Na+RX\underset{ether}{\overset{pure\&dry}{\to }}R-R+2NaX$