Which of the following alkanes can be synthesized by the Wurtz reaction in good yield ?

Options

A. `(CH_(3))_(3)C CH_(2)CH_(2)CH_(3)`
B. `(CH_(3))_(2)CHCH_(2)CH(CH_(3))_(2)`
C. `CH_(3)CH_(2)C(CH_(3))_(2)CH_(2)CH_(3)`
D. `(CH_(3))_(2)CHCH_(2)CH(CH_(3))_(2)`

Answer

B

Explanation

It contains an even number of `C` atoms and is sysmetrical. Compounds `(3)` and `(4)` are symmetrical but they have an odd number of `C's` and thus, cannot be synethesized by coupling one molecule with itself. Compound `(1)` is not symmetrical and has an odd number of `C's`.
Note that Wurtz reaction gives the best yield if the alkane obtained is symmetrical and contains an even number of `C` atoms.