Question:

Explain Wurtz-fittig reaction.

Updated On: Jun 15, 2023
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Solution and Explanation

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.

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Concepts Used:

Haloalkanes and Haloarenes - Chemical Reactions

Chemical Reactions go with the breaking and bonding of covalent bonds which involve of exchange of electrons. The functional groups of Organic compounds play a consequential role in the process. Based on the above theory, reactions can be classified into five main groups:

Rearrangement Reactions are the type of reactions in which products get formed simply by the rearrangement of atoms and electrons in the reactant molecules.

O

||

NH4CNO → NH2 –C – NH2

Substitution Reactions are the reactions in which an atom or group of atoms is replaced by some other atom or group of atoms without any change in the structure of the remaining part of the molecule.

CH3Br + KOH (aqueous) → CH3OH + KBr

Addition Reactions are the reactions in which products get formed by the addition of some reagent to an unsaturated compound.

CH2 = CH2 + HCl → CH5Cl

  • Electrophilic Addition Reactions
  • Nucleophilic Addition Reactions
  • Free Radical Addition Reactions

Elimination Reactions are the reactions in which the products get formed by the loss of simple molecules like HX from the reactant molecules.

C2H5OH → C2H4

  • EN1 (Nucleophilic Elimination Unimolecular)
  • EN2 (Nucleophilic Elimination Bimolecular)

A polymerization Reaction is the union of two or more molecules of a substance that form a single molecule with higher molecular weight.

n (CH = CH2) → (-CH2 – CH2 -) n