Fill in the blank.
Methane is prepared in a laboratory by heating anhydrous sodium acetate with ________ .

Explanation

To fill in the blank in the statement "Methane is prepared in a laboratory by heating anhydrous sodium acetate with ________," we need to identify the reactant that, when combined with anhydrous sodium acetate, produces methane.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Reactant**: We know that methane (CH₄) can be produced from the decarboxylation of sodium acetate. The process involves removing a carboxyl group (CO₂) from the acetate.

2. **Understand the Decarboxylation Process**: The decarboxylation reaction typically requires a strong base. In this case, we use a mixture known as soda lime, which is composed of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and calcium oxide (CaO).

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