agnibho said:
The WURTZ REACTION is a chemical reaction used to synthesize alkanes using dry ether as a solvent. It is often used in organic chemistry to join two alkyl groups together.
The reactants used in the WURTZ REACTION are two alkyl halides, such as alkyl chlorides, bromides, or iodides, and a metal such as sodium or potassium.
The products of the WURTZ REACTION are alkanes, specifically longer chain alkanes than the reactants, and a metal halide byproduct.
The WURTZ REACTION is limited to only joining two identical alkyl groups together, and it can only be used with primary or secondary alkyl halides. Tertiary alkyl halides cannot be used as they are too reactive and can lead to undesired side reactions.
The WURTZ REACTION is unique in that it allows for the synthesis of longer chain alkanes compared to other methods. It also requires the use of a metal catalyst and dry ether as a solvent, whereas other methods may use different reagents and solvents.
