Q36 / 150 · MHT CET 2026 (11 April Shift 1) · Chemistry
Wurtz reaction is NOT possible with
- Correct answerA$(\text{CH}_3)_3\text{CCl}$
- B$\text{CH}_3\text{Br}$
- C$\text{C}_2\text{H}_5\text{-Cl}$
- D$(\text{C}_2\text{H}_5)_2\text{-CH-I}$
Solution
Wurtz reaction is used for the preparation of higher alkanes from alkyl halides using sodium metal in dry ether.
Primary and secondary alkyl halides readily undergo Wurtz reaction to form alkanes.
Tertiary alkyl halides, due to high steric hindrance, undergo dehydrohalogenation (elimination) rather than coupling when treated with sodium in dry ether, resulting in the formation of alkenes instead of alkanes.
Among the given options, $(\text{CH}_3)_3\text{CCl}$ is a tertiary alkyl halide, so it does not undergo Wurtz reaction.
Answer: $(\text{CH}_3)_3\text{CCl}$
Primary and secondary alkyl halides readily undergo Wurtz reaction to form alkanes.
Tertiary alkyl halides, due to high steric hindrance, undergo dehydrohalogenation (elimination) rather than coupling when treated with sodium in dry ether, resulting in the formation of alkenes instead of alkanes.
Among the given options, $(\text{CH}_3)_3\text{CCl}$ is a tertiary alkyl halide, so it does not undergo Wurtz reaction.
Answer: $(\text{CH}_3)_3\text{CCl}$
Hence, the correct answer is option: 'A'.