Acetone is prepared by

Options

A. Oxidation of n-propyl alcohol
B. Oxidation of acetaldehyde
C. Pyrolysis of calcium acetate
D. Pyrolysis of calcium acetate as well as acetic acid.

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question:**
The question asks how acetone can be prepared. Acetone, chemically known as propan-2-one, has the formula CH₃COCH₃.

2. **Identifying the Preparation Method:**
One of the methods to prepare acetone is through the pyrolysis of calcium acetate. Pyrolysis refers to the thermal decomposition of materials at elevated temperatures in an inert atmosphere.

3. **Chemical Reaction:**
The chemical reaction for the pyrolysis of calcium acetate can be represented as:
\[ 2 \text{CH}_3\text{COOCA} \xrightarrow{\Delta} \text{CH}_3\text{C(=O)CH}_3 + \text{CaCO}_3 \]
Here, calcium acetate (CH₃COO)₂Ca decomposes upon heating to produce acetone (CH₃C(=O)CH₃) and calcium carbonate (CaCO₃).

4. **Mechanism of Reaction:**
During pyrolysis, the calcium acetate breaks down into acetone and calcium carbonate. The mechanism involves the breaking of bonds in the calcium acetate molecule, leading to the formation of the ketone (acetone) and the release of calcium carbonate as a byproduct.

5. **Conclusion:**
Therefore, acetone can be prepared by the pyrolysis of calcium acetate. Other methods mentioned, such as the oxidation of acetaldehyde or N-propyl alcohol, do not yield acetone, as they lead to the formation of carboxylic acids or aldehydes instead.

6. **Final Answer:**
Acetone is prepared by the pyrolysis of calcium acetate.

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