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One electron from the metal is transferred to the halogen to produce a metal halide and an alkyl radical.

R-X + M → R• + M+X−

The alkyl radical then accepts an electron from another metal atom to form an alkyl anion and the metal becomes cationic. This intermediate has been isolated in a several cases.

R• + M → R−M+

The nucleophilic carbon of the alkyl anion then displaces the halide in an SN2 reaction, forming a new carbon-carbon covalent bond.

R−M+ + R-X → R-R + M+X−
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Q: What is the role of sodium in wurtz reaction?
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Related questions

How will you convert ethyl bromide into butane?

By Wurtz reaction of ethyl bromide with sodium metal.


Why is ether medium used in wurtz reaction?

Wurtz reaction is a SN2 reaction and thus requires an aprotic solvent as it medium. dry ether proves to be a very good, non-polar, aprotic solvent and is thus used in Wurtz reaction.


What has the author Henry Wurtz written?

Henry Wurtz has written: 'On sodium amalgamation' -- subject(s): Amalgamation


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The Wurtz reaction is not suitable for tertiary alkyl halides due to side reaction involving elimintaion reactions.


What is Charles-Adolphe Wurtz famous for?

Charles-Adolphe Wurtz was a french chemist that is most famous for the Wurtz reaction, in which carbon-carbon bonds are formed by reacting alkyl halides with sodium. He has also discovered ethylamine and ethylene glycol and has done research on organic nitrogen, glycols, and hydrocarbons. More generally, he was also a writer and an educator. Hope this helps


Why Methane can't be prepared by wurtz synthesis?

Because in wurtz synthesis you have two alkane molecules which react with each other, for instance two iodomethane groups and sodium. You would get sodium iodide and two groups of methane, which equals ethane.


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What is the birth name of Joseph Wurtz?

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When did Henry Wurtz die?

Henry Wurtz died in 1910.


When was Henry Wurtz born?

Henry Wurtz was born in 1828.