Decarboxylation of sodium benzoate on heating with soda lime gives

Options

A. benzene
B. toluene
C. benzaldehyde
D. benzoic acid.

Explanation

To solve the question regarding the decarboxylation of sodium benzoate when heated with soda lime, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand Decarboxylation
Decarboxylation is a chemical reaction that removes a carboxyl group (-COOH) from a compound, releasing carbon dioxide (CO2). In this case, sodium benzoate (C6H5COONa) undergoes decarboxylation.

**Hint:** Remember that decarboxylation typically involves the removal of CO2 and the formation of a hydrocarbon or an aldehyde.

### Step 2: Identify the Reactants
Sodium benzoate is the sodium salt of benzoic acid. When heated with soda lime (a mixture of sodium hydroxide and calcium oxide), it undergoes decarboxylation.

**Hint:** Soda lime acts as a strong base that facilitates the removal of the carboxyl group.

### Step 3: Write the Reaction
The reaction can be represented as follows:
\[ \text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{COONa} + \text{NaOH} \xrightarrow{\text{heat}} \text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{H} + \text{Na}_2\text{CO}_3 \]

Here, sodium benzoate reacts with sodium hydroxide to produce benzene (C6H6) and sodium carbonate (Na2CO3).

**Hint:** Focus on the products formed after the removal of the carboxyl group.

### Step 4: Identify the Product
The main product of this reaction is benzene, which is a hydrocarbon.

**Hint:** Recognize that the loss of the carboxyl group leads to the formation of a simpler hydrocarbon.

### Final Answer
The decarboxylation of sodium benzoate on heating with soda lime gives benzene.

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