Which of the following organic compounds are formed by Wurtz reaction?

Options

A. Alcohols
B. Hydrocarbons
C. Haloalkanes
D. Haloarenes

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Wurtz Reaction**: The Wurtz reaction involves the coupling of two alkyl halides in the presence of sodium metal and dry ether. The general reaction can be represented as:
\[ 2 \text{R-X} + 2 \text{Na} \xrightarrow{\text{dry ether}} \text{R-R} + 2 \text{NaX} \]
where R represents the alkyl group and X represents the halogen.

2. **Identifying the Products**: The product of the Wurtz reaction is an alkane (hydrocarbon) formed by the coupling of two alkyl groups (R-R). For example, if we take methyl bromide (CH3Br) as the alkyl halide, the reaction would yield ethane (C2H6):
\[ 2 \text{CH}_3\text{Br} + 2 \text{Na} \xrightarrow{\text{dry ether}} \text{C}_2\text{H}_6 + 2 \text{NaBr} \]

3. **Analyzing the Given Options**: The options provided include:
- Alcohol
- Hydrocarbon
- Haloalkane
- Haloarene

4. **Determining Which Compounds Are Formed**:
- **Alcohol**: The product of the Wurtz reaction does not contain a hydroxyl (-OH) group, hence it is not an alcohol.
- **Hydrocarbon**: The product is indeed a hydrocarbon (alkane) formed from the coupling of alkyl groups.
- **Haloalkane**: The product does not retain any halogen; therefore, it is not a haloalkane.
- **Haloarene**: Similarly, the product does not contain an arene or halogen, so it is not a haloarene.

5. **Conclusion**: The only type of compound formed by the Wurtz reaction is a hydrocarbon. Thus, the correct answer is that the Wurtz reaction forms hydrocarbons.

**Final Answer**: Hydrocarbon (Option B)

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