Structure of Simpler Organic Compounds. 55 



following examples. From methane it is possible to obtain 

 a derivative, methyl bromide, by " substituting " * a 

 hydrogen atom by bromine. If methyl bromide is treated 

 with sodium, two molecules will react according to the 

 equation 



CH 3 Br + CH 3 Br + 2Na = 2NaBr + CH 3 -CH 3 



In this reaction, the halogen derivative of only one 

 hydrocarbon is employed. It is possible to carry out the 

 reaction, however, with mixtures of halogen derivatives of 

 hydrocarbons ; thus by treatment of bromo-derivatives of 

 methane and ethane with sodium the following reaction is 

 possible : 



CH 3 Br + C 2 H 5 Br + 2Na = 2NaBr + CH 3 -C 2 H 5 



In actual practice mixtures of CH 3 CH 3 and C 2 H 5 C 2 H 5 

 would be obtained. The method has only a limited 

 practical application to chemical synthesis, as mixtures of 

 hydrocarbons would be obtained when mixtures of halogen 

 derivatives are employed. Nevertheless, it is of great- 

 theoretical importance, as it affords one of the simplest 

 illustrations of building up or synthesis of more complex 

 from less complex substances. The general equation repre- 

 senting the reaction may be given as follows : 



C n H 2n+1 X + O m H aw+l X + 2Na = 2NaX + C Jff 2n+r CJI^ t 



There are various other synthetical methods which need 

 not be considered here. 



The paraffins are generally very stable substances 

 which are not readily destroyed, and withstand the action 

 of powerful oxidizing reagents. One of their most char- 

 acteristic reactions is the formation of " substitution " 



* The meaning of this term will be explained in detail in the sequel. 



t Remember also the following reactions can take place at the same time : 



, 



