Question

convert bromoethane to ethane

Answer 1

Answer:

$\bold{\left(C H_{3}\right)_{2}-B r+N a \stackrel{\Delta}{\rightarrow}\left(C H_{3}\right)_{2}+N a B r}$

Explanation:

Though many reactions are involved, here one of the reaction is explained.

The chemical equation involved in the formation of ethane through Wurtz reaction is:

$\left(C H_{3}\right)_{2}-B r+N a \stackrel{\Delta}{\rightarrow}\left(C H_{3}\right)_{2}+N a B r$

The bromoethane is converted into ethane using Wurtz reaction. This reaction is an organic coupling reaction which converts the alkyl halides into higher alkane. This reaction takes place with the sodium metal.

This reaction involves nucleophilic substitution which forms an alkyl anion then it undergoes $\bold{S_N2}$ reaction to form alkane.

This reaction is not widely used because of the side reactions it leads during the reaction of two alkyl halides.