Question

A haloalkane 'X' if heated with sodium metal in presence of dry ether produces

2,3 - dimethyl butane
as major product
Identify x with chemical reaction.​

Answer 1

2 halo - propane

Step-by-step explanation:

We are told that a halo alkane is heated with sodium in the presence of dry ether to produce 2,3 - dimethyl butane.

Now, according to Wurtz reaction this formation from heating with sodium in the presence of dry ether is done by 2 alkyl halides in the form of;

2RX + 2Na → R−R + 2Na+X−

Now, formula for 2,3 dimethyl butane is (CH₃)₂CHCH(CH₃)₂

Thus, from the Wurtz reaction, we can write that;

2RX + 2Na → (CH₃)₂CH - CH(CH₃)₂ + 2Na+X−

So, R = (CH₃)₂CH

This means the original halo alkane has 3 carbon atoms and thus, we can say it is 2 halo - propane.