What is the alkane obtained when anhydrous sodium ethanoate (CH3COONa) is heated with soda-lime (NaOH + CaO)?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Methane (CH4)
.
- Step 1: Decarboxylation of the sodium salt of a carboxylic acid with soda-lime ( and in a 3:1 ratio) removes the carboxyl group as a carbonate.
- Step 2: The general reaction is: .
- Step 3: For sodium ethanoate ():
- Step 4: The resulting alkane contains one carbon atom less than the starting carboxylate salt, producing methane ().
Answer
Methane (CH4)
Why not the others: 'Ethane' is formed by Kolbe's electrolytic decarboxylation of sodium ethanoate, not by soda-lime decarboxylation; 'Propane' and 'Butane' have more carbons than the starting material.
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