Question

Which among the following compounds is obtained when calcium formate is dry distilled alone?

• A. Methanoic acid
• B. Methanal
• C. Methanol
• D. Methoxy methane

Hint:

Dry distillation of calcium formate is a laboratory method for preparing formaldehyde.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Reaction involved.
On dry distillation, calcium salts of carboxylic acids undergo decomposition.
Step 2: Specific case of calcium formate.
Calcium formate decomposes to give formaldehyde (methanal): \[ (\text{HCOO})_2\text{Ca} \xrightarrow{\Delta} \text{HCHO} + \text{CaCO}_3 \] Step 3: Conclusion.
Thus, methanal is obtained on dry distillation of calcium formate.