Carboxylic acids are converted into alkanes by

Options

A. Decarboxylation
B. Clemensen's reduction
C. Kolbe's electrolysis
D. `LiAlH_(4)`

Explanation

To convert carboxylic acids into alkanes, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand Decarboxylation**: Carboxylic acids can be converted into alkanes through a process called decarboxylation. This involves the removal of the carboxyl group (-COOH) from the carboxylic acid, resulting in the release of carbon dioxide (CO₂).

2. **Identify the Reaction**: The reaction can be represented as follows:
\[ RCOOH \rightarrow RH + CO_2 \]
Here, \(RCOOH\) is the carboxylic acid, \(RH\) is the alkane produced, and \(CO_2\) is the byproduct.

3. **Clemensen Reduction**: It is important to note that Clemensen reduction is not applicable here. This reduction is used for converting aldehydes and ketones into alkanes, not carboxylic acids.

4. **Colbalt Electrolysis**: Another method to convert carboxylic acids into alkanes is through colbalt electrolysis. In this process, the sodium salt of the carboxylic acid (like sodium acetate) is subjected to electrolysis, which leads to the formation of alkenes.

5. **Hydrogenation of Alkenes**: The alkene produced from colbalt electrolysis can then be hydrogenated to form the corresponding alkane:
\[ CH_2=CH_2 + H_2 \rightarrow CH_3-CH_3 \]
This step involves adding hydrogen to the alkene to convert it into an alkane.

6. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the correct methods to convert carboxylic acids into alkanes are through decarboxylation and colbalt electrolysis.

### Final Answer:
Carboxylic acids are converted into alkanes by **decarboxylation** and **colbalt electrolysis**.

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