Question

Acetone can be obtained by the dry distillation of which of the following?

• A. Mixture of calcium formate + calcium acetate
• B. Calcium formate only
• C. Calcium acetate only
• D. Calcium propionate only

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Calcium acetate only

Dry distillation of calcium salts of carboxylic acids gives aldehydes or ketones. When calcium acetate $\left(\right(C{H}_{3}COO{)}_{2}Ca)$ is heated, acetone $(C{H}_3-CO-C{H}_3)$ and calcium carbonate $\left(CaC{O}_3\right)$ are obtained.