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Question: Write a note on Wurtz reaction and mention any 2 uses of iodoform....

Write a note on Wurtz reaction and mention any 2 uses of iodoform.

Explanation

Solution

The Wurtz reaction is a coupling type of reaction and one can elaborate it in detail. The iodoform is used for medical purposes which can be elaborated in answer.

Complete step by step answer:

  1. The Wurtz reaction is an organic reaction which is a type of coupling reaction. In this reaction, sodium metal is used and it is reacted with two alkyl halides in the conditions where a solution of dry ether is used to yield a higher alkane and the compounds containing sodium and the halogen as a side product.

  2. Wurtz reaction general representation can be written as follows:
    2R−X+2Na→R−R+2Na+X−2R - X + 2Na \to R - R + 2N{a^ + }{X^ - }
    In the above reaction, two alkyl groups are joined to form a higher alkane and sodium and halogen ionic side product.

  3. The detailed reaction mechanism for the Wurtz reaction is as follows:
    One electron from sodium metal is transferred to a halide atom in the alkyl halide which gives metal halide and alkyl radical. The schematic representation of this step is as follows.
    R−X+M→R∙+M+X−R - X + M \to {R^ \bullet } + {M^ + }{X^ - }
    The alkyl radical formed then receives an electron from sodium metal and then forms alkyl anion.
    R∙+M→R−M+{R^ \bullet } + M \to {R^ - }{M^ + }
    In the next step, the alkyl anion formed will attack the initial reactant alkyl halide and form a higher alkane. This step in the reaction is a type of nucleophilic substitution reaction. This reaction follows the SN2SN_2 reaction which is the type of nucleophilic substitution reaction.
    R−M++R−X→R−R+M+X−{R^ - }{M^ + } + R - X \to R - R + {M^ + }{X^ - }
    Therefore, the higher alkane is formed as the reaction product.

  4. Uses of iodoform are as follows:
    i) The iodoform is used as a disinfectant.
    ii) It is also used as an antiseptic for the dressing of wounds.
    iii) It is also used as a sterilizing agent on wounds and fire burns.

Note:
When the alkyl halide bond breaks and the formation of radical happens because halide gets an electron from sodium metal forming an ionic bond with sodium. By adding a single electron to the alkyl radial will form the anionic alkyl which has a negative charge on it. In a nucleophilic substitution reaction, the nucleophile is replaced with the strong nucleophile which attacks the reactant.