The nature of the aqueous solution after Kolbe's electrolysis is

Options

A. Acidic
B. Alkaline
C. Neutral
D. May be acidic, alkaline or neutral

Answer

To determine the nature of the aqueous solution after Kolbe's electrolysis, we can break down the process step by step.

### Step 1: Understanding Kolbe's Electrolysis
Kolbe's electrolysis involves the electrolysis of a salt of a carboxylic acid (often a disodium salt) in an aqueous solution. The reaction typically leads to the formation of an alkene, carbon dioxide, and sodium hydroxide.

### Step 2: Reaction Overview
When two moles of the disodium salt of a fatty acid are electrolyzed in water, the following reaction occurs:
\[ 2 \text{RCOONa} + \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{R}=\text{C} + 2 \text{CO}_2 + 2 \text{NaOH} + \text{H}_2 \]
Here, R represents the hydrocarbon chain of the fatty acid.

### Step 3: Products of the Reaction
From the reaction, we can identify the products:
- **Alkene (R=C)**: This is the main organic product.
- **Carbon Dioxide (CO2)**: This is a gaseous product that escapes into the atmosphere.
- **Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)**: This is a strong base that remains in the solution.
- **Hydrogen Gas (H2)**: This is also a gaseous product that escapes.

### Step 4: Analyzing the Aqueous Solution
The key component affecting the nature of the solution is the formation of sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Since NaOH is a strong base, its presence will make the solution alkaline.

### Conclusion
After Kolbe's electrolysis, the aqueous solution will be **alkaline** due to the formation of sodium hydroxide.

### Final Answer
The nature of the aqueous solution after Kolbe's electrolysis is **alkaline**.

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