The Wurtz Reaction: Synthesis of Ethane

What happens when ethyl chloride is treated with Sodium metal in dry ether?

Is the reaction between ethyl chloride and Sodium metal in dry ether used in the preparation of symmetrical alkanes?

What are the products formed in this reaction?

Answer:

The treatment of ethyl chloride with Sodium metal in dry ether results in a Wurtz reaction, producing ethane, Sodium chloride, and Hydrochloric acid.

The Wurtz reaction is a chemical reaction in organic chemistry where two alkyl halides react with Sodium metal in the presence of dry ether to form a higher alkane. When ethyl chloride is treated with Sodium metal in dry ether, the Wurtz reaction occurs.

The reaction can be depicted as follows:
2CH₃CH₂Cl + 2Na → CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₃ + 2NaCl

This reaction is commonly used for creating symmetrical alkanes. It is important to note that the Wurtz reaction proceeds through a free radical mechanism, and the intermediate formed is a carbon radical.