Question:

An organic compound A on reaction with thionyl chloride, gives compound B. Compound B, reacts with sodium in dry ether as solvent, gives 2,3-dimethyl butane. Identify compound A.

Show Hint

Work backwards from 2,3-dimethylbutane: it is formed by joining two isopropyl groups in a Wurtz reaction.
Updated On: Nov 12, 2026
  • Isopropyl alcohol
  • Isobutyl alcohol
  • Ethane
  • Isobutane
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept
Sodium in dry ether joins two alkyl halide units (Wurtz reaction): \(2\text{RX}+2\text{Na}\rightarrow\text{R-R}+2\text{NaX}\).

Step 2: Work backwards
2,3-Dimethylbutane is \((\text{CH}_{3})_{2}\text{CH-CH(CH}_{3})_{2}\), two isopropyl groups joined. So B is isopropyl chloride, \((\text{CH}_{3})_{2}\text{CHCl}\).

Step 3: Find A
Thionyl chloride converts an alcohol to an alkyl chloride: \((\text{CH}_{3})_{2}\text{CHOH}+\text{SOCl}_{2}\rightarrow(\text{CH}_{3})_{2}\text{CHCl}\). So A is isopropyl alcohol (propan-2-ol).

Final Answer:
Compound A is isopropyl alcohol. \[ \boxed{\text{(A) }\text{Isopropyl alcohol}} \]
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