Chemistry - Hydrocarbon Question with Solution | TestHub

Wurtz reaction involves the coupling of two alkyl halide molecules in the presence of sodium and dry ether to form a symmetrical alkane.

$2\text{R-Cl}+2\text{Na}\stackrel{\text{dry ether}}{\to }\text{R-R}+2\text{NaCl}$

The given product is 2,2,5,5-tetramethylhexane. Its structure is $({\text{CH}}_3{)}_3\text{C}-{\text{CH}}_2-{\text{CH}}_2-\text{C}({\text{CH}}_3{)}_3$.

Cleaving the molecule symmetrically at the central $\text{C}-\text{C}$ bond gives two identical alkyl groups, which are neopentyl groups, $({\text{CH}}_3{)}_3\text{C}-{\text{CH}}_2-$.

Therefore, the required alkyl chloride is neopentyl chloride, $({\text{CH}}_3{)}_3\text{C}-{\text{CH}}_2-\text{Cl}$.

Answer: $({\text{CH}}_3{)}_3\text{C}-{\text{CH}}_2-\text{Cl}$