How will your convert : Malonic acid to acetic acid ?

Answer

To convert malonic acid (CH2(COOH)2) to acetic acid (CH3COOH), follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify Malonic Acid Structure**:
Malonic acid has the structure HOOC-CH2-COOH, which contains two carboxylic acid groups (-COOH) attached to the same carbon atom (the central carbon).

2. **Understand Decarboxylation**:
Decarboxylation is the process of removing a carboxyl group (-COOH) from a molecule, resulting in the release of carbon dioxide (CO2). In the case of malonic acid, it can undergo decarboxylation when heated.

3. **Heat Malonic Acid**:
When malonic acid is heated to a temperature range of 415 to 435 Kelvin, it undergoes decarboxylation. This process involves the loss of one of the carboxyl groups as carbon dioxide (CO2).

4. **Formation of Acetic Acid**:
After the decarboxylation of malonic acid, the remaining structure will be acetic acid (CH3COOH). The reaction can be summarized as:
\[ \text{HOOC-CH}_2\text{-COOH} \xrightarrow{\text{heat}} \text{CH}_3\text{COOH} + \text{CO}_2 \]

5. **Final Product**:
The final product of this reaction is acetic acid, which is the desired compound.

### Summary of Reaction:
- Malonic Acid (HOOC-CH2-COOH) → Acetic Acid (CH3COOH) + CO2 (upon heating)