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Answer :

Answer:

2 halo - propane

Explanation:

We are told that a halo alkane is heated with sodium in the presence of dry ether to produce 2,3 - dimethyl butane.

Now, according to Wurtz reaction this formation from heating with sodium in the presence of dry ether is done by 2 alkyl halides in the form of;

2RX + 2Na → R−R + 2Na+X−

Now, formula for 2,3 dimethyl butane is (CH₃)₂CHCH(CH₃)₂

Thus, from the Wurtz reaction, we can write that;

2RX + 2Na → (CH₃)₂CH - CH(CH₃)₂ + 2Na+X−

So, R = (CH₃)₂CH

This means the original halo alkane has 3 carbon atoms and thus, we can say it is 2 halo - propane.