Question

For preparing an alkane a concentrated aqueous solution of sodium or potassium salt of a saturated carboxylic acid is subjected to:

• A. hydrolysis
• B. oxidation
• C. hydrogenation
• D. electrolysis

Answer 1

The correct option is D electrolysis

Preparation of Alkane from a concentrated aqueous solution of sodium or potassium salt of a saturated carboxylic acid is called 'Kolbe's Electrolysis'.

Kolbe's Electrolysis:

$2RCOONa+2H_{2}O\to R-R+2C{O}_2+2NaOH+H_2$

When a concentrated aqueous solution of sodium acetate is electrolysed, Ethane is liberated at the anode.

$2C{H}_{3}COONa+2H_{2}O\to C{H}_3-C{H}_3+2C{O}_2+2NaOH+H_2$