Question

Wurtz reaction is NOT possible with

• A. \((\text{CH}_3)_3\text{CCl}\)
• B. \(\text{CH}_3\text{Br}\)
• C. \(\text{C}_2\text{H}_5\text{-Cl}\)
• D. \((\text{C}_2\text{H}_5)_2\text{-CH-I}\)

Hint:

Tertiary halides eliminate instead of coupling.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Recall the reaction
The Wurtz reaction couples two alkyl halides with sodium in dry ether: \(2\text{RX}+2\text{Na}\to\text{R-R}+2\text{NaX}\).

Step 2: Which halide fails
Tertiary halides such as \((\text{CH}_3)_3\text{CCl}\) mainly undergo elimination to give alkenes, because the strongly basic alkyl sodium removes a \(\beta\)-hydrogen.
Primary halides (B, C) work well, and the secondary halide (D) can also couple. So (A) is correct.

Final Answer:
Wurtz reaction fails for the tertiary halide, option (A). \[ \boxed{\text{(A)}} \]