Question

Which of the following compounds CANNOT be prepared by Wurtz reaction?

• A. $C{H}_4$
• B. $C_2{H}_6$
• C. $C_3{H}_8$
• D. $C_4{H}_{10}$

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Wurtz reaction is the process by the help of which symmetrical alkanes are obtained. In this process alkyl halides reacts with $Na/\text{dry ether}$ to form alkanes.
$2R-X+2Na\stackrel{\text{dry ether}}{\to }R-R+2NaX$
During this process carbon-carbon single bond is formed therefore methane cannot be formed.