Sodium formate on heating yields

Options

A. (a) Oxalic acid and `H_2`
B. (b) Sodium oxalate and `H_2`
C. (c) `CO_2` and NaOH
D. (d) Sodium oxalate

Explanation

To solve the question "Sodium formate on heating yields," we need to analyze the thermal decomposition of sodium formate. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the solution:

### Step 1: Identify the Chemical Formula
Sodium formate is the sodium salt of formic acid, and its chemical formula is HCOONa.

### Step 2: Understand the Heating Process
When sodium formate is heated, it undergoes thermal decomposition. This process typically occurs at elevated temperatures.

### Step 3: Write the Decomposition Reaction
Upon heating, sodium formate decomposes to produce sodium oxalate and hydrogen gas. The reaction can be represented as follows:

\[ 2 \, \text{HCOONa} \, \text{(s)} \rightarrow \text{Na}_2\text{C}_2\text{O}_4 \, \text{(s)} + \text{H}_2 \, \text{(g)} \]

### Step 4: Identify the Products
From the decomposition reaction, we can see that the products formed are:
- Sodium oxalate (Na2C2O4)
- Hydrogen gas (H2)

### Step 5: Choose the Correct Option
Among the options provided:
- Option A: Oxalic acid and H2
- Option B: Sodium oxalate and H2
- Option C: CO2 and NaOH
- Option D: Sodium oxalate

The correct answer is **Option B: Sodium oxalate and H2**.

### Final Answer
Sodium formate on heating yields sodium oxalate and hydrogen gas.

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