Question

Write a note on Wurtz reaction.

Answer 1

A reaction in which there is a coupling reaction with two alkyl halides reacting with sodium metal in dry ether solution to from higher alkane is known Wurtz Reaction.  

There are other metals which are used to effect Wurtz coupling. Examples of those metals are, Zinc, Silver, Iron, Activated Copper, Indium and a mixture of Manganese and copper chloride.

Answer 2

The chemical reaction of the aryl halides along with alkyl halides and sodium metal in the appearance of the dry ether is known as the Wurtz reaction.

This Wurtz reaction gives the substituted aromatic compounds as the output.

This reaction is name after the Charles-Adolphe Wurtz who reported about this reaction in the year 1855.  

Later in the year 1860, Rudolph Fittig extended the process by introducing the coupling reaction of alkyl halides with the aryl halides.

Then using the name of the two scientists, this process is popularly known as Wurtz–Fittig reaction.