Question

The hydrocarbon that cannot be prepared effectively by the Wurtz reaction is:

• A.

  

• B.

  

• C.

  

• D.

  

Hint:

The Wurtz reaction is mainly effective for creating straight-chain alkanes and less so for branched ones.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The Wurtz reaction is a method used to couple two alkyl halides in the presence of sodium metal, forming alkanes. It works best with straight-chain alkyl groups. When branched alkyl groups are used, the reaction is less effective and often does not occur efficiently because the formation of a branched alkane requires more complex conditions. In this case, the compound in Option (B) with 8 carbon atoms is more branched and cannot be effectively synthesized through the Wurtz reaction. Thus, the correct answer is Option (B).