Answer:
The reaction RX 2Na RX → R – R 2NaX is called the Wurtz-Fittig reaction. Here is a detailed explanation:
1. Wurtz-Fittig Reaction:
- The Wurtz-Fittig reaction is a type of organic synthesis reaction.
- It involves the coupling of two alkyl or aryl halides in the presence of sodium metal (2Na) to form a carbon-carbon bond and produce a symmetrical alkyl or aryl compound.
- The reaction is named after Charles Adolphe Wurtz and Emil Fischer Fittig, who independently discovered and developed this reaction.
2. Reaction Mechanism:
- In the Wurtz-Fittig reaction, two molecules of alkyl or aryl halides (RX) are treated with sodium metal (2Na).
- The sodium metal acts as a reducing agent and generates sodium radicals (Na•) by losing an electron.
- The sodium radicals then react with the alkyl or aryl halides to form sodium alkyl or aryl radicals (R•).
- Finally, the sodium alkyl or aryl radicals combine with each other to form a symmetrical alkyl or aryl compound (R - R) along with the formation of sodium halide (2NaX) as a byproduct.
3. Application and Significance:
- The Wurtz-Fittig reaction is widely used in organic synthesis to prepare symmetrical alkyl or aryl compounds.
- It is particularly useful for the synthesis of hydrocarbons, such as alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes.
- The reaction provides a straightforward and efficient method for the formation of carbon-carbon bonds.
- However, it is important to note that the Wurtz-Fittig reaction is not suitable for the synthesis of unsymmetrical compounds.
Therefore, the correct answer is D. Wurtz-Fittig reaction.