Concept Explanation: Reaction of Sodium with Ether (Westron)

When sodium (Na) reacts with ether (specifically Westron, which is another name for diethyl ether), it leads to a specific chemical transformation. Ethers are generally unreactive, but with sodium metal, they can undergo a reaction known as the Wurtz reaction when alkyl halides are present. However, with ether alone, sodium does not typically react vigorously. But in the context of this question, "Westron" might be a misnomer or specific term. Upon analysis, "Westron" is likely referring to tetrachloroethylene (C₂Cl₄), which is a common solvent and is sometimes called Westron. The reaction with sodium in ether (dry conditions) is used for dehalogenation.

Step-by-Step Reasoning:

Step 1: Identify "Westron". In chemical contexts, Westron often refers to tetrachloroethylene, with formula $C {Cl}_{2} = C {Cl}_{2}$ .

Step 2: Understand the reaction with sodium in ether. Sodium metal in dry ether is used in the Wurtz reaction for coupling alkyl halides, but for compounds like tetrachloroethylene, it can lead to dehalogenation and formation of alkynes.

Step 3: The specific reaction for tetrachloroethylene with sodium in ether is: $C {Cl}_{2} = C {Cl}_{2} + 4 Na \overset{ether}{\to} HC \equiv CH + 4 NaCl$ This results in the formation of ethyne (acetylene).

Step 4: Compare with options: Westrosol (not standard), Ethyne, Ethane, Ethene. Ethyne is the correct product.

Final Answer: Ethyne

Related Topics:

Wurtz Reaction: Coupling of alkyl halides with sodium in dry ether to form alkanes.
Dehalogenation: Removal of halogen atoms using metals like zinc or sodium.
Alkyne Synthesis: Methods for preparing alkynes, including dehydrohalogenation and dehalogenation.

Important Formulae and Theory:

General Dehalogenation Reaction:
For vicinal dihalides: $R - CH - CH - R' + Zn \to R - CH = CH - R' + Zn X_{2}$ (forms alkene)

For tetrahalides (like tetrachloroethylene) with Na: forms alkyne.

Wurtz Reaction:
$2 R - X + 2 Na \to R - R + 2 NaX$ (in dry ether)