Question:
On electrolysis of aqueous solution of sodium butanoate gives a hydrocarbon. The number of carbon atoms present in the hydrocarbon are:
On electrolysis of aqueous solution of sodium butanoate gives a hydrocarbon. The number of carbon atoms present in the hydrocarbon are:
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In Kolbe’s electrolysis, two alkyl radicals combine after loss of \(CO_2\). Therefore, the hydrocarbon formed usually has double the number of carbon atoms present in the alkyl radical.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
- \(6\)
- \(4\)
- \(8\)
- \(3\)
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Identify the reaction type.
Electrolysis of sodium salts of carboxylic acids is called Kolbe’s electrolysis.
In this reaction, decarboxylation occurs and alkyl radicals are formed.
Step 2: Write the structure of sodium butanoate.
Sodium butanoate is: \[ CH_3CH_2CH_2COONa \] The corresponding alkyl group attached to the carboxyl group is: \[ CH_3CH_2CH_2- \] which contains \(3\) carbon atoms.
Step 3: Formation of alkyl radicals.
During electrolysis: \[ CH_3CH_2CH_2COO^- \rightarrow CH_3CH_2CH_2^\bullet + CO_2 \] Thus, propyl radicals are formed.
Step 4: Coupling of radicals.
Two propyl radicals combine to form a hydrocarbon: \[ CH_3CH_2CH_2^\bullet + ^\bullet CH_2CH_2CH_3 \rightarrow CH_3CH_2CH_2CH_2CH_2CH_3 \] This hydrocarbon is hexane.
Step 5: Count the carbon atoms.
Hexane contains: \[ 6 \] carbon atoms.
Hence, the required number of carbon atoms is: \[ \boxed{6} \]
Electrolysis of sodium salts of carboxylic acids is called Kolbe’s electrolysis.
In this reaction, decarboxylation occurs and alkyl radicals are formed.
Step 2: Write the structure of sodium butanoate.
Sodium butanoate is: \[ CH_3CH_2CH_2COONa \] The corresponding alkyl group attached to the carboxyl group is: \[ CH_3CH_2CH_2- \] which contains \(3\) carbon atoms.
Step 3: Formation of alkyl radicals.
During electrolysis: \[ CH_3CH_2CH_2COO^- \rightarrow CH_3CH_2CH_2^\bullet + CO_2 \] Thus, propyl radicals are formed.
Step 4: Coupling of radicals.
Two propyl radicals combine to form a hydrocarbon: \[ CH_3CH_2CH_2^\bullet + ^\bullet CH_2CH_2CH_3 \rightarrow CH_3CH_2CH_2CH_2CH_2CH_3 \] This hydrocarbon is hexane.
Step 5: Count the carbon atoms.
Hexane contains: \[ 6 \] carbon atoms.
Hence, the required number of carbon atoms is: \[ \boxed{6} \]
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