Final answer:
In the Wurtz reaction using ethyl bromide and propyl bromide as reactants, butane and pentane are the alkane products formed, along with sodium bromide as a byproduct.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the Wurtz reaction, when bromides of ethyl and propyl are used, the reaction involves the coupling of two alkyl halides in the presence of sodium metal. This coupling process yields a new alkane with a carbon chain length that is the sum of the two original alkyl halides.
Therefore, if ethyl bromide (C2H5Br) and propyl bromide (C3H7Br) are used, the products will be butane (C4H10) and pentane (C5H12), as sodium bromide (NaBr) is also formed as a byproduct.
A step-by-step explanation: Ethyl bromide reacts with sodium to form ethyl radicals (C2H5•), while propyl bromide reacts similarly to form propyl radicals (C3H7•). These radicals can then combine to form butane and pentane where the sum of carbon atoms is 4 and 5, respectively.
The correct answer to the student's question about the product(s) formed in the Wurtz reaction using bromides of ethyl and propyl is b. Butane and pentane.