A concentrated aqueous solution of the sodium salt shown is electrolysed (Kolbe electrolysis). Which hydrocarbon collects at the anode?

AStructure A
BStructure B
CStructure C
DStructure D

Answer: A

The compound shown is sodium propanoate. At the anode the carboxylate loses an electron and

CO X_{2}

to give an ethyl radical, and two ethyl radicals dimerise to butane. Ethane is the soda lime product, not the Kolbe product, and hexane would come from a propyl radical.

Practice Hydrocarbons More on Wurtz, Kolbe and decarboxylation products from drawn precursors

Previous questionNext question

More questions on Wurtz, Kolbe and decarboxylation products from drawn precursors

The alkyl bromide shown is treated with sodium metal in dry ether. Which structure is the main organic product? NEET level
The sodium salt shown is heated strongly with soda lime (NaOH and CaO). Which hydrocarbon is formed? NEET level
The dibromide shown is heated with sodium in dry ether. Which structure is the product? JEE Main level
The bromoalkane shown is mixed with bromomethane and 1-bromopropane and treated with sodium in dry ether. Assume all coupling combinations o... JEE Advanced level
An aqueous solution of the disodium salt shown is electrolysed. Which hydrocarbon is liberated at the anode? JEE Main level
The carboxylic acid shown is converted to its sodium salt and heated with soda lime. Which structure is the hydrocarbon formed? JEE Main level