Question
Why is Wurtz reaction not preferred for the preparation of alkanes containing odd number of carbon atoms? Illustrate your answer bytaking one example.
Solution
In order to prepare alkane with an odd number of carbon atoms, two different haloalkanes are needed; one with an odd number and the other with an even number of carbon atoms. For example, bromoethane and I-bromopropane will give pentane as a result of the reaction.
Butane product will also be formed when the numbers participating in the reaction react separately. For example, bromoethane will give butane and 1-bromopropane will give rise to hexane.
Thus, a mixture of butane, pentane and hexane will be formed. It will be quite difficult to separate the individual components from the mixture.
Butane product will also be formed when the numbers participating in the reaction react separately. For example, bromoethane will give butane and 1-bromopropane will give rise to hexane.
Thus, a mixture of butane, pentane and hexane will be formed. It will be quite difficult to separate the individual components from the mixture.
