Question:

How do you convert the following? Sodium benzoate to Benzene

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Soda lime decarboxylation is a standard method to remove a terminal acid group and reduce the carbon chain by one.
Updated On: Jul 22, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Concept
Decarboxylation of a carboxylic acid salt.

Step 2: Meaning
The carboxylate group ($-COONa$) is removed as a molecule of sodium carbonate.

Step 3: Analysis
Heating sodium benzoate strongly with soda lime (a 3:1 mixture of $NaOH$ and $CaO$) causes the complete removal of the side chain, leaving the bare benzene ring.

Final Answer: By heating sodium benzoate with soda lime (a mixture of $NaOH$ and $CaO$). $C_6H_5-COONa + NaOH \xrightarrow{CaO, \Delta} C_6H_6 \text{ (Benzene)} + Na_2CO_3$
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