Wurtz reaction involves the comdensation of two molecules of alkyl halides in the presence of sodium and dry ether
`R-X+2Na+R-Xoverset("dry ether")toR-R+2NaX`
In this reaction small amount of alkene is also formed as by product.
`CH_(3)CH_(2)Br+CH_(3)CH_(2)Broverset("Na/dry ether")toCH_(3)-CH_(2)-CH_(2)-CH_(3)+underset("By-product")ubrace(CH_(2)=CH_(2)+CH_(3)-CH_(3))`
Tertiary alkyl halides do not give wurtz reaction. Frankland reaction is similar but has certain advantages over wurtz reaction. it is useful in the synthesis of symmetrical alkanes. frankland reaction is shown by primary,
Secondary as well as tertiary alkyl halide.
Q. A mixture of ethyl iodide and methyl iodide is subjected to wurtz reaction. the product that will not formed is
A. Ethane
B. Butane
C. Propane
D. Pentane