Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Wurtz reaction involves the coupling of two alkyl halides using sodium. If a mixture of two different alkyl halides (\(\text{R-X}\) and \(\text{R'-X}\)) is used, three possible alkanes (\(\text{R-R, R-R', R'-R'}\)) are formed.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
Identify \(\text{R}\) and \(\text{R'}\):
Chloroethane \(\rightarrow \text{R} = \text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{-}\) (2 carbons)
1-chloropropane \(\rightarrow \text{R'} = \text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{CH}_2\text{-}\) (3 carbons)
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
The possible combinations are:
1. \(\text{R-R}\) (Ethyl + Ethyl): \(\text{C}_2 + \text{C}_2 = \text{C}_4\) (n-Butane)
2. \(\text{R'-R'}\) (Propyl + Propyl): \(\text{C}_3 + \text{C}_3 = \text{C}_6\) (n-Hexane)
3. \(\text{R-R'}\) (Ethyl + Propyl): \(\text{C}_2 + \text{C}_3 = \text{C}_5\) (n-Pentane)
Propane is a \(C_3\) alkane. It cannot be formed by coupling two alkyl groups in this specific mixture because the smallest coupled product would have at least 4 carbons (\(C_2+C_2\)).
Step 4: Final Answer:
Propane is not obtained.