Wurtz-Fittig reaction
A mixture of an aryl halide and an alkyl halide reacts with sodium in dry ether to give an alkylbenzene.
BromobenzeneC₆H₅BrHaloarene - Step 1
CH₃Br, Na, dry ether
TolueneC₆H₅CH₃Arene
How it works
- Sodium converts both halides to reactive organosodium species.
- The alkyl group joins the aryl group.
- NaX is lost.
What it makes
Alkylbenzenes such as toluene.
Where it fails
Some biphenyl and some dialkane form as side products.
Class 12, Chapter 6 Haloalkanes and Haloarenes
Wurtz-Fittig reaction: quick answers
What is the difference between Wurtz and Wurtz-Fittig?
Wurtz couples two alkyl halides; Wurtz-Fittig couples an alkyl halide with an aryl halide.
What is the Fittig reaction?
Two molecules of aryl halide react with sodium in dry ether to give a biaryl such as biphenyl.
Why is dry ether used?
Sodium reacts with water.