Q. Wet ether is not used as a solvent in Wurtz reaction, because the water present in it
A) Hydrolyses $RX\ to\ ROH$
B) Reduces $RX\ to\ RH$
C) Destroy the $Na$ metal
D) Reacts with $R - R$
Explanation
(c)
In Wurtz reaction alkyl halide reacts with sodium in presence of dry ether to give alkanes $e.g.,$
$C_{2}H_{5}\boxed{Cl + 2Na + Cl}C_{2}H_{5}\overset{\rightarrow}{(dry\ ether)}C_{4}H_{10} + 2NaCl$
butane
In Wurtz reaction wet ether is not used because wet ether destroy the sodium metal.
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker
Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist
Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.