Why tertiary alkyl halides do not give Wurtz reaction?

The Wurtz reaction is restricted to the symmetric alkane’s synthesis. The Wurtz coupling method would generally fails when tertiary alkyl halides are used because tertiary alkyl halides include elimination reactions as side reactions. It is happened due to steric-hindrance.

Can tertiary alkyl halides undergo Wurtz reaction?

Explain. Answer : In Wurtz reaction, alkyl halides react with metallic sodium in presence of dry ether to give symmetrical alkanes containing double the number of carbon atoms present in the alkyl halide.

Why tertiary alkyl halides does not undergo SN2 reaction?

(b) Tertiary alkyl halides do not react by an SN2 mechanism because the substrate blocks the approach of the nucleophile. The trigonal bipyramidal transition state cannot form because it is too sterically crowded.

What happens if two different alkyl halides are taken in Wurtz reaction?

If two different alkyl halides are used in the Wurtz reaction to prepare an alkane with an odd number of carbon atoms, then a mixture of three alkanes is produced. It is because the two alkyl halides in addition to reacting with each other also react among themselves giving a mixture of three alkanes.

Which of the following Cannot be prepared by Wurtz reaction?

The Wurtz reaction cannot prepare methane because it contains only one carbon atom.

Which is least reactive alkyl halide in Wurtz coupling reaction?

Correct answer is option ‘C’.

Why tertiary alkyl halides undergo SN1 reaction effectively?

Generally SN1 reactions are carried out in polar protic solvents. The energy required for breaking the C-X bond is obtained through solvation of halide ion with the proton of the solvent. Tertiary alkyl halides undergo SN1 reaction very fast because of the high stability of tertiary carbocations.

Why do tertiary alkyl halides give SN1 reactions?

Tertiary carbons have the largest number of adjacent C-C bonds, the largest inductive effect, the most stable carbocation intermediate, and are thus favored in SN1.

Why Wurtz reaction is not suitable for preparation of methane?

Methane (CH4) contains just one carbon atom, so the Wurtz reaction, which requires two alkyl halide molecules, can not be prepared. For the preparation of alkanes with odd numbers of carbon atoms owing to the formation of side products, the Wurtz reaction is not favoured.