Electrolysis of an aqueous solution of sodium butanoate gives main product-

Options

A. octane
B. heptane
C. hexane
D. butane

Answer

To determine the main product of the electrolysis of an aqueous solution of sodium butanoate (CH3CH2CH2COONa), we need to analyze the components involved in the electrolysis process.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Components of Sodium Butanoate:**
Sodium butanoate is a salt composed of butanoate ions (C4H7O2-) and sodium ions (Na+). In an aqueous solution, it dissociates into these ions:
\[ \text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{CH}_2\text{COO}^- + \text{Na}^+ \]

2. **Understand the Electrolysis Process:**
During electrolysis, the solution is subjected to an electric current, which causes the ions to migrate towards the electrodes. The anions (butanoate ions) will move towards the anode, and the cations (sodium ions) will move towards the cathode.

3. **Anode Reaction:**
At the anode, the butanoate ion (C4H7O2-) can undergo oxidation. The oxidation of the butanoate ion can lead to the formation of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other products. The general reaction at the anode can be represented as:
\[ \text{C}_4\text{H}_7\text{O}_2^- \rightarrow \text{CO}_2 + \text{other products} \]

4. **Cathode Reaction:**
At the cathode, reduction occurs. In an aqueous solution, water can be reduced to hydrogen gas (H2) and hydroxide ions (OH-). The cathode reaction can be represented as:
\[ 2\text{H}_2\text{O} + 2e^- \rightarrow \text{H}_2 + 2\text{OH}^- \]

5. **Main Products of Electrolysis:**
The main products of the electrolysis of sodium butanoate solution are:
- At the anode: Carbon dioxide (CO2) and possibly other organic compounds.
- At the cathode: Hydrogen gas (H2).

### Final Answer:
The main products of the electrolysis of an aqueous solution of sodium butanoate are carbon dioxide (CO2) at the anode and hydrogen gas (H2) at the cathode.