Question

Write a short note on Fittig reaction.

Answer 1

1. The Fittig reaction is a coupling reaction between two aryl halides.
2. It involves the use of sodium metal to facilitate the reaction.
3. Under reaction conditions, sodium removes the halogen atoms from the aryl halides.
4. This results in the formation of a covalent bond between two aromatic rings.
5. The reaction produces symmetrical biaryl compounds (two identical aromatic rings joined).
6. It typically requires heating and anhydrous conditions.
7. The mechanism proceeds through the formation of aryl radicals or aryl sodium intermediates.
8. The Fittig reaction is important for synthesizing biphenyls and related aromatic compounds.
9. When a haloarene is heated with sodium metal in the presence of dry ether, the halogen atom is replaced by an aryl group, yielding a diaryl. This reaction is known as the Fittig reaction.
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