Question

Which of the following reactions is a Wurtz - Fittig reaction?

• A. \(C_6H_5Cl + CH_3Cl + 2Na \xrightarrow{\text{dry ether}} C_6H_5 - CH_3 + 2NaCl\)
• B. \(C_2H_5Cl + CH_3Cl + 2Na \xrightarrow{\text{dry ether}} C_3H_8 + 2NaCl\)
• C. \(2C_2H_5Cl + 2Na \xrightarrow{\text{dry ether}} C_2H_5 - C_2H_5 + 2NaCl\)
• D. \(2C_6H_5Cl + 2Na \xrightarrow{\text{dry ether}} C_6H_5 - C_6H_5 + 2NaCl\)

Hint:

Wurtz-Fittig: Aryl halide + Alkyl halide + Na → Alkylbenzene. Fittig: Aryl halide + Aryl halide + Na → Biaryl. Wurtz: Alkyl halide + Alkyl halide + Na → Alkane.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understand the question.
We must pick the reaction that is a Wurtz-Fittig reaction.
Step 2: Recall what Wurtz-Fittig means.
The Wurtz-Fittig reaction joins an aryl halide (a halide on a benzene ring) with an alkyl halide using sodium in dry ether. The product is an alkyl benzene.
Step 3: Tell apart the related names.
Two alkyl halides joining is the plain Wurtz reaction. Two aryl halides joining is the Fittig reaction. Only the mixed pair is Wurtz-Fittig.
Step 4: Check option 1.
It uses $C_6H_5Cl$ (aryl) plus $CH_3Cl$ (alkyl) to give toluene. This is one aryl and one alkyl, so it is Wurtz-Fittig.
Step 5: Check the rest.
Option 2 and option 3 use two alkyl halides, so they are plain Wurtz. Option 4 uses two aryl halides, so it is Fittig.
Step 6: Choose the answer.
The Wurtz-Fittig reaction is option 1. \[ \boxed{C_6H_5Cl + CH_3Cl \rightarrow C_6H_5\text{-}CH_3} \]