Question

Convert ethane into pentane

Answer 1

First, there will be photochemical halogenation of the ethane.

CH

3

−CH

3

+Br

2

⟶CH

3

−CH

2

−Br (in presence of light)

Second, 2CH

3

−CH

2

−Br

Na/ether

CH

3

CH

2

−CH

2

CH

3

(Butane)

Answer 2

Explanation:

Direct conversion of ethane into pentane  is not possible. however, ethane can be converted to butane directly by a process called Wurtz reaction, where two lower alkyl halides are reacted in the presence of a dry ether medium and sodium metal to form a higher alkane.

Firstly, there will be photo chemical halogenation of the ethane as below

CH3 −CH3 +Br2 ⟶CH3 −CH2 −Br (in presence of light)

Secondly, 2CH3 −CH2 −Br  (Na/ether)→  CH3 CH2 −CH2 CH3 (Butane).