Chapter 8, Problem 49P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:The reason Wurtz coupling method as not a useful synthetic method for two different alkyl groups should be suggested.

Concept introduction:Organometallic compounds are highly reactive towards haloalkanes in presence of electropositive metal. Wurtz coupling involves the two equivalents of alkyl halides as substrates with two equivalents of electropositive metals such as sodium that leads to formation of alkane and sodium chloride salt. The reaction is illustrated below.

  

Limitation of this coupling method is that it can only be used in synthesis of symmetrical alkanes. The unsymmetrical haloalkanes cannot be efficiently converted to corresponding coupled product.