Question

Decarboxylation of sodium benzoate on heating with soda lime gives:

• A. Benzene
• B. Benzoic acid
• C. Benzaldehyde
• D. Toluene

Hint:

Soda lime decarboxylation is commonly used to remove the carboxyl (-COOH) group from carboxylates, producing alkanes or aromatic hydrocarbons.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Decarboxylation of sodium benzoate with soda lime (NaOH + CaO) removes the carboxyl group (-COO⁻) and replaces it with a hydrogen atom, forming benzene as the final product. The reaction follows: \[ C_6H_5COONa + NaOH \xrightarrow{\text{CaO, heat}} C_6H_6 + Na_2CO_3 \]