Question

Explain Wurtz-fittig reaction.

Answer 1

The Wurtz-Fittig reaction is a cross-coupling reaction that involves the coupling of two alkyl halides to form a carbon-carbon bond. This reaction allows the synthesis of symmetrical alkanes by using two alkyl halides with the same alkyl group.
The general reaction can be represented as follows:
2 R-X + 2 R'-X' → R-R' + 2 X''
In this reaction, R and R' represent alkyl groups, X and X' represent halogen atoms (usually chlorine or bromine), and R-R' represents the desired symmetrical alkane product. The reaction is typically carried out in the presence of a metal catalyst, such as sodium (Na) or potassium (K).
Overall, the Wurtz-Fittig reaction is a useful method for the synthesis of symmetrical alkanes from alkyl halides. However, it has limitations as it can only be used for symmetrical alkane synthesis and does not work well with tertiary alkyl halides.