Question

Write the major product in the following reaction: [H]

Hint:

Wurtz = Two alkyl halides. Fittig = Two aryl halides. Wurtz-Fittig = One of each (Aryl + Alkyl).

Answer 1

Step 1: Concept
This is the Wurtz-Fittig reaction.

Step 2: Meaning
It is a coupling reaction between an aryl halide and an alkyl halide in the presence of sodium metal and dry ether to form an alkylarene.

Step 3: Analysis
Sodium metal removes the chlorine atoms from chlorobenzene ($C_6H_5Cl$) and chloromethane ($CH_3Cl$), producing sodium chloride. The resulting phenyl and methyl radicals then combine to form a new carbon--carbon bond, yielding toluene.

• This reaction is known as the \[ \boxed{\text{Wurtz--Fittig reaction}}. \]

• It is used for the preparation of alkyl-substituted aromatic hydrocarbons.

• The reaction is carried out using sodium metal in dry ether.

• Sodium removes the chlorine atoms from both chlorobenzene and chloromethane: \[ C_6H_5Cl+CH_3Cl+2Na \rightarrow C_6H_5CH_3+2NaCl. \]

• During the reaction, highly reactive phenyl and methyl radicals (or equivalent organosodium intermediates) are generated.

• These reactive species combine to form a new carbon--carbon bond.

• The final product obtained is: \[ \boxed{\text{Toluene}} \] in which the methyl group becomes directly attached to the benzene ring.

• Thus, the Wurtz--Fittig reaction provides a convenient method for synthesizing alkylbenzenes from aryl and alkyl halides.

Step 4: Conclusion
The resulting major organic product is methylbenzene, widely known by its common name, Toluene.

Final Answer: Toluene (Methylbenzene)