Question

The Kolbe's electrolysis of potassium succinate gives $C{O}_2$ and _______.

• A. ethene
• B. ethane
• C. methane
• D. methanol

Answer 1

The correct option is A ethene

The Kolbe reaction is formally a decarboxylative dimerisation of two carboxylic acids (or carboxylate ions) The overall general reaction is

$2R-CO{O}^{-}\to R-R+2C{O}_2+2e^{-}$

In dicarboxylates the intramolecular bonding produces alkene.

Potassium succinate results in formation of ethene by Kolbe electrolysis.

Option A is correct.