Wurtz reaction fails in case of tert-alkyl halides. Explain.

Explanation

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Wurtz Reaction**: The Wurtz reaction involves the coupling of alkyl halides using sodium metal in dry ether to form higher alkanes. This reaction typically works well with primary (1°) and secondary (2°) alkyl halides.

2. **Tertiary Alkyl Halides**: Tertiary (3°) alkyl halides have a carbon atom bonded to three other carbon atoms. When these compounds are subjected to the Wurtz reaction, the expected coupling does not occur.

3. **Role of Sodium**: Sodium (Na) acts as a reducing agent in the Wurtz reaction. For primary and secondary alkyl halides, sodium can effectively reduce the halide to form a radical, which then couples with another radical to form a new alkane.

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