Which alkane will be formed as major product on electrolysis aqueous solution of sodium propanoate?

Options

A. `CH_4`
B. `CH_3CH_3`
C. `CH_3CH_2CH_2CH_3`
D. `CH_3CH_2CH_3`

Answer

To determine which alkane will be formed as the major product during the electrolysis of an aqueous solution of sodium propanoate, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Electrolysis Process
During electrolysis, the sodium propanoate (C2H5COONa) will dissociate into its ions in an aqueous solution:
- Sodium ions (Na⁺)
- Propanoate ions (C2H5COO⁻)

### Step 2: Identify the Anode Reaction
At the anode, oxidation occurs. The propanoate ion can undergo oxidation to form free radicals. The reaction can be represented as:
- C2H5COO⁻ → C2H5• + CO2

Here, the propanoate ion loses a carbon dioxide molecule (CO2) and forms an ethyl free radical (C2H5•).

### Step 3: Ethyl Free Radical Combination
The ethyl free radicals produced can combine with each other to form larger alkanes. The combination of two ethyl free radicals can lead to the formation of butane (C4H10):
- C2H5• + C2H5• → C4H10

### Step 4: Identify the Cathode Reaction
At the cathode, reduction occurs. Water will be reduced to produce hydrogen gas:
- 2H2O + 2e⁻ → H2 + 2OH⁻

### Step 5: Conclusion
The major product formed at the anode during the electrolysis of sodium propanoate is butane (C4H10).

### Final Answer
The major alkane formed as a product on electrolysis of an aqueous solution of sodium propanoate is **butane (C4H10)**.

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