Question

What happens when chlorobenzene and methyl chloride are treated with sodium metal in dry ether?

Hint:

The Wurtz-Fittig reaction is a coupling reaction where sodium metal reduces halides, leading to the formation of new carbon-carbon bonds. The reaction between chlorobenzene and methyl chloride forms toluene.

Answer 1

When chlorobenzene and methyl chloride are treated with sodium metal in dry ether, a reaction known as the Wurtz-Fittig reaction occurs, leading to the formation of toluene. Sodium metal reduces the chlorine atom in chlorobenzene, and the methyl group from methyl chloride is added to the benzene ring. This results in the formation of toluene (C\(_6\)H\(_5\)CH\(_3\)). \[ \text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{Cl} + \text{CH}_3\text{Cl} + \text{Na} \xrightarrow{\text{dry ether}} \text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{CH}_3 + \text{NaCl} \]