Question

The Wurtz-Fittig reaction involves condensation of:

• A. two molecules of aryl halides
• B. one molecule of each of aryl-halide and alkyl-halide
• C. one molecule of each of aryl-halide and phenol
• D. two molecules of aralkyl-halides

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The Wurtz-Fittig reaction is a chemical reaction used to form carbon-carbon bonds, specifically between an aryl halide and an alkyl halide, in the presence of sodium metal. This reaction is a modification of the Wurtz reaction and enables the coupling of different types of halides to form a new bond.

Let's understand why the correct option is "one molecule of each of aryl-halide and alkyl-halide":

1. Conceptual Understanding: The Wurtz reaction is typically used to couple alkyl halides, resulting in the formation of higher alkanes. However, when an aryl halide is used instead of one of the alkyl halides, the reaction is specifically termed a Wurtz-Fittig reaction.
2. Chemical Reaction: In the Wurtz-Fittig reaction, the aryl halide and the alkyl halide react in the presence of sodium metal. A simplified general reaction can be represented as: \(ArX + R'X + 2Na \rightarrow ArR' + 2NaX\)
   • Here, \(ArX\) represents an aryl halide.
   • \(R'X\) represents an alkyl halide.
   • The result \(ArR'\) is an alkyl arene.
3. Elimination of Incorrect Options:
   • Two molecules of aryl halides will not react under these conditions as the Wurtz-Fittig reaction is specifically an aryl-alkyl coupling.
   • One molecule each of aryl halide and phenol does not represent a Wurtz-Fittig reaction as phenols do not react in this manner.
   • Two molecules of aralkyl-halides are also incorrect because the reaction involves at least one aryl halide.

Therefore, the correct answer is one molecule of each of aryl-halide and alkyl-halide, which aligns with the definition and mechanism of the Wurtz-Fittig reaction.