Fittig reaction
Two molecules of an aryl halide react with sodium in dry ether to give a diaryl (biphenyl).
BromobenzeneC₆H₅BrHaloarene - Step 1
Na, dry ether
BiphenylC₆H₅C₆H₅Arene
How it works
- Sodium converts the aryl halide to an aryl sodium.
- The aryl sodium couples with a second aryl halide.
- NaX is lost and a biaryl forms.
What it makes
Biphenyl and other diaryls.
Where it fails
Only aryl halides are used. With one aryl and one alkyl halide the reaction is called Wurtz-Fittig.
Class 12, Chapter 6 Haloalkanes and Haloarenes
Fittig reaction: quick answers
What is the product of the Fittig reaction on chlorobenzene?
Biphenyl.
How is Fittig different from Wurtz-Fittig?
Fittig uses only aryl halides; Wurtz-Fittig uses an aryl halide with an alkyl halide.
Which solvent is used?
Dry ether.