Wurtz reaction

In organic chemistry, the Wurtz reaction, named after Charles Adolphe Wurtz, is a coupling reaction in which two alkyl halides are treated with sodium metal to form a higher alkane.

2 R−X + 2 Na → R−R + 2 NaX

The reaction is of little value because yields are low. Exceptions are some intramolecular versions, such as 1,6-dibromohexane + 2 Na → cyclohexane + 2 NaBr.

A related reaction, which combines alkyl halides with aryl halides is called the Wurtz–Fittig reaction. Despite its very modest utility, the Wurtz reaction is widely cited as representative of reductive coupling.