Question

Write short notes on the following: 
(A) Wurtz–Fittig Reaction 
(B) Fittig’s Reaction 
 

Hint:

Remember: Both reactions involve sodium in dry ether. Wurtz–Fittig makes alkylbenzenes, while Fittig makes biphenyls.

Answer 1

(A) Wurtz–Fittig Reaction: 
- The Wurtz–Fittig reaction is used for the synthesis of alkylbenzenes. 
- An aryl halide reacts with an alkyl halide in the presence of sodium metal in dry ether. 
- This coupling reaction produces alkyl-substituted benzene. 
\[ C_6H_5Cl + CH_3Cl + 2Na \;\; \xrightarrow{\text{dry ether}} \;\; C_6H_5CH_3 + 2NaCl \] Example: Chlorobenzene reacts with methyl chloride to give toluene. 

(B) Fittig’s Reaction: 
- The Fittig reaction is used for the synthesis of biphenyl compounds. 
- Two molecules of an aryl halide react with sodium metal in dry ether to produce biphenyl. 
\[ 2C_6H_5Cl + 2Na \;\; \xrightarrow{\text{dry ether}} \;\; C_6H_5\!-\!C_6H_5 + 2NaCl \] Example: Chlorobenzene gives biphenyl under this reaction. 

Conclusion: 
- Wurtz–Fittig = Aryl halide + Alkyl halide $\rightarrow$ Alkylbenzene. 
- Fittig = Aryl halide + Aryl halide $\rightarrow$ Biphenyl.