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Question: The reaction, \( C{H_3}Br\, + \,Na\, \to \) \( \) Product, is called (A)Perkin reaction (B)Levi...

The reaction, CH3Br + Na →C{H_3}Br\, + \,Na\, \to Product, is called
(A)Perkin reaction
(B)Levit reaction
(C)Wurtz reaction
(D)Aldol condensation

Explanation

Solution

Hint : In the given reaction, we can see methyl bromide ( CH3BrC{H_3}Br ) is reacting with sodium metal to give the product. The reaction of alkyl halides with sodium metal in the presence of dry ether to give symmetrical alkanes is known as the Wurtz reaction. It is a common method used for the preparation of alkanes.

Complete Step By Step Answer:
From the hint given, we can conclude that the above given reaction is the Wurtz reaction. When sodium metal reacts with alkyl halides in the presence of dry ether, we get symmetrical alkanes as the product. The product contains double the number of carbon atoms in the alkyl halide. Also, sodium halide is formed as a by-product in the reaction. We can write the complete, balanced chemical equation of the above reaction as:
CH3−Br  +  2Na  +  Br−CH3  →dry  ether  CH3−CH3  +  2NaBrC{H_3} - Br\,\, + \,\,2Na\,\, + \,\,Br - C{H_3}\,\,\xrightarrow{{dry\,\,ether}}\,\,C{H_3} - C{H_3}\,\, + \,\,2NaBr
Methyl bromide ethane
The product ethane is a symmetrical alkane that contains double the number of carbon atoms in methyl bromide. This is an example of an organic coupling reaction in which formation of a new carbon-carbon bond occurs.
Here, dry ether is used as a solvent to reduce the reactivity of sodium metal. Sodium is a highly reactive metal and in the absence of dry ether it will give undesirable products. It is also important to note that the reaction should take place in dry conditions. Else, sodium will react with water to give oxides and hydroxides that may affect the reaction.
Therefore, the right option is (C) Wurtz reaction.

Note :
The limitations of Wurtz reaction are:
Methane cannot be prepared using the Wurtz reaction since it contains only one carbon atom and the product of an organic coupling reaction must contain at least two carbon atoms.
It cannot be used in the preparation of unsymmetrical alkanes because a mixture of alkanes will be obtained and their separation will be difficult.
The reaction fails when bulky, tertiary alkyl halides are used. Here, alkene will be formed as a side product.