A mixture containing equimolar amounts of ethyl chloride and n-propyl chloride is subjected to the W — Hydrocarbons Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

In the Wurtz reaction, alkyl radicals are generated and dimerize. The mixture will produce ethyl radicals ($C_2H_5^\bullet$) and propyl radicals ($C_3H_7^\bullet$). They can couple in three ways: 1) Ethyl + Ethyl $\to$ n-Butane, 2) Propyl + Propyl $\to$ n-Hexane, 3) Ethyl + Propyl $\to$ n-Pentane. Therefore, exactly 3 distinct alkanes are produced.