Why Dry Ether Is Used In Woods Reaction. Alkyl halides when reacted with na in presence of dry ether give alkanes. Wurtz reaction is carried out with sodium metal which is highly reactive, hence, we have to select a solvent which will not react with the sodium metal.
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So selection of the solvent is done in such a way that the sodium metal does not react with the solvent. This is taken because, we want the sodium to react with the halogen in the organic compound. If any polar solvent like water is used, it will ionize sodium and may result in some oxides or hydroxides of na or.
In Either Of The Mechanism Na Will Loose An Electron And Form Sodium Ion.
Also the alkyl halide used in the reaction should be. In wurtz reaction, dry ether, or acetone usually, acts as a solvent. The mechanism involved is free radical as well as anionic mechanism.
Wurtz Reaction Is Carried Out With Sodium Metal Which Is Highly Reactive, Hence, We Have To Select A Solvent Which Will Not React With The Sodium Metal.
As a lewis base for na. If any polar solvent like water is used, it will ionize sodium and may result in some oxides or hydroxides of na or. Dry ether is a solvent which does not react with sodium.
The Mechanism Involved Is Free Radical As Well As Anionic Mechanism.
This is taken because, we want the sodium to react with the halogen in the organic compound. So that the moisture can be absorbed by dry ether, because the sodium will react with moisture to form naoh and other complexes. Alkyl halides when reacted with na in presence of dry ether give alkanes.
In Wurtz Reaction Sodium Metal Is Used Which Is Very Reactive.
So selection of the solvent is done in such a way that the sodium metal does not react with the solvent.
