When a concentrated aqueous solution of the `Na or K` salt of a ……..acid is electrolyzed, an alkane is obtained.

Options

A. saturated monocarboxylic
B. saturated dicarboxylic
C. unsaturated monocarboxylic
D. unsaturated dicarboxylic

Answer

A

Explanation

`2RCOONa(aq.)+2H_(2)O(1)overset("Electrolysis")rarrR-R+2CO_(2)+H_(2)+2NaOH`
If `n` is the number of `C` atoms in the salt of the carboxylic acid, the alkane formed has `2(n-1)C` atoms. Alternatively, if `n` is the number of `C` atoms in the alkyl group, the alkane formed has `2n C` atoms.
Kolbe's reaction laid the foundation for the development of organeolectrochemistry.