13.25 Why is Wurtz reaction not preferred for the preparation of alkanes containing an odd number of carbon atoms? Illustrate your answer by taking one example.
Wurtz reaction-
Wurtz reaction not preferred for the preparation of alkanes containing an odd number of carbon atoms because if we take two dissimilar alkyl halide as a reactant, the product will be a mixture of alkane but the reaction is by a free radical mechanism it will produce an alkene also. example- bromomethane and iodoethane.
all the products in the mixture have nearly close boiling point. So, the separation will be difficult.