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In this video I demonstrate how the Wurtz synthesis of haloalkanes is done in the laboratory.
12.45 grams of sodium metal were cleaned from the oxide layer and washed with a bit of petroleum ether to remove any oil. The pieces were chopped up and placed in a 250 ml 3 necked round bottom flask. The flask was equipped with an addition funned and a condenser. The funnel was charged with 37.2 grams of the bromobenzene. When everything was ready, half of the bromobutane was drained into the flask. At first no reaction occurred, and gentle heating was applied. Then suddenly a very vigorous reaction happened, causing the liquid to boil. The addition of the bromobutane was adjusted so that the boiling is maintained. When all the haloalkane had been added, the flask was heated for a bit to react any bromobutane left.
To destroy the leftover sodium, you should charge the addition funnel with ethanol and add it dropwise until all the metal is dissolved. Then to destroy the ethoxide formed, water is added. Octane separates as the top oily layer. It is separated via separatory funnel and dried with anhydrous sodium sulfate. The salt is filtered, and a simple distillation carried out. The fraction between 123127℃ was collected.
Yield 10,68 g, 68%
Check out my other videos:
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Bromobutane    • Brominating alcohol for Wurtz synthes...  
Bromobenzene    • How to make BROMOBENZENE  
Bromine    • How to make BROMINE  
Acetanilide    • This was once used instead of PARACET...  
Adipic acid    • This FOOD ADDITIVE is actually a NYLO...  
Chlorobenzene    • How to make CHLOROBENZENE  
Brady’s reagent    • Making the BRADY'S reagent and TESTIN...