When an aqueous solution of sodium propionate is electrolysed the gas liberated at anode is/are

Options

A. Propane
B. `CO_(2)`
C. Butane and `CO_(2)`
D. Hexane and `CO_(2)`

Answer

To solve the question about the gas liberated at the anode when an aqueous solution of sodium propionate is electrolyzed, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Compound**: Sodium propionate is represented as CH3CH2COONa. In aqueous solution, it dissociates into sodium ions (Na⁺) and propionate ions (CH3CH2COO⁻).

2. **Electrolysis Process**: During electrolysis, oxidation occurs at the anode. The propionate ion (CH3CH2COO⁻) will undergo oxidation.

3. **Oxidative Decarboxylation**: The propionate ion will undergo oxidative decarboxylation. This process involves the loss of a carbon dioxide (CO2) molecule from the propionate ion, leading to the formation of a radical.

4. **Formation of Butane**: The radicals generated from the oxidative decarboxylation can combine to form butane (C4H10). Specifically, two propionate radicals can combine to form butane.

5. **Gases Released at Anode**: During the electrolysis, the gases released at the anode will be:
- Carbon dioxide (CO2) from the decarboxylation of the propionate ion.
- Butane (C4H10) formed from the combination of the radicals.

6. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the gases liberated at the anode during the electrolysis of sodium propionate are butane and carbon dioxide.

### Final Answer:
The gas liberated at the anode is butane and carbon dioxide (CO2).

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