`CH_(3)CH_(2)COO^(-)Na^(+) underset("Heat")overset(NaOH,+?)to CH_(3)CH_(3)+ Na_(2)CO_(3)` Consider the above reaction and identify the missing reagent/chemical

Options

A. Red phosphorus
B. CaO
C. DIBAL-H
D. `B_(2)H_(6)`

Explanation

To solve the problem, we need to identify the missing reagent in the reaction provided. Let's break down the steps:

### Step 1: Analyze the Given Reaction
The reaction provided is:
\[ \text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{COO}^- \text{Na}^+ + \text{NaOH} + ? \xrightarrow{\text{Heat}} \text{CH}_3\text{CH}_3 + \text{Na}_2\text{CO}_3 \]

Here, we have sodium propionate (CH₃CH₂COO⁻Na⁺) reacting with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and an unknown reagent under heat to produce ethane (CH₃CH₃) and sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃).

### Step 2: Identify the Type of Reaction
This reaction is indicative of a decarboxylation process, where the carboxyl group (-COOH) is removed, resulting in the formation of a hydrocarbon (in this case, ethane).

### Step 3: Determine the Missing Reagent
In the context of decarboxylation reactions involving sodium salts of carboxylic acids, a common reagent used is calcium oxide (quick lime, CaO). The presence of quick lime helps in the removal of carbon dioxide (CO₂) during the reaction.

### Step 4: Write the Complete Reaction
Incorporating the missing reagent, we can rewrite the reaction as:
\[ \text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{COO}^- \text{Na}^+ + \text{NaOH} + \text{CaO} \xrightarrow{\text{Heat}} \text{CH}_3\text{CH}_3 + \text{Na}_2\text{CO}_3 \]

### Conclusion
The missing reagent in the reaction is **Calcium Oxide (CaO)**.

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