Among acetic acid , phenol and n-hexanol which one of the following compound will react with `NaHCO_3` solution to give sodium salt and `CO_2` ?

Options

A. (a) Acetic acid
B. (b) n-hexanol
C. (c) Acetic acid and phenol
D. (d) Phenol

Explanation

To determine which compound among acetic acid, phenol, and n-hexanol will react with NaHCO₃ (sodium bicarbonate) to produce a sodium salt and CO₂, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Reactivity with NaHCO₃
Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) is a weak base and reacts with acids to produce a salt, water, and carbon dioxide (CO₂).

### Step 2: Analyze Each Compound
- **Acetic Acid (CH₃COOH)**: This is a carboxylic acid and can react with NaHCO₃. The reaction will produce sodium acetate (CH₃COONa), water, and CO₂:
\[ \text{CH}_3\text{COOH} + \text{NaHCO}_3 \rightarrow \text{CH}_3\text{COONa} + \text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{CO}_2 \]

- **Phenol (C₆H₅OH)**: Phenol is a very weak acid compared to carboxylic acids. It does not react with NaHCO₃ because it is not acidic enough to neutralize the bicarbonate.

- **n-Hexanol (C₆H₁₄O)**: n-Hexanol is an alcohol and is neutral in nature. It does not react with NaHCO₃.

### Step 3: Conclusion
From the analysis, only acetic acid reacts with NaHCO₃ to produce a sodium salt and CO₂. Therefore, the correct answer is:

**Option A: Acetic Acid**