Question:

What is the product of decarboxylation of anhydrous sodium benzoate?

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Heating sodium benzoate with soda lime removes the COOH group as carbonate and gives benzene.
Updated On: Oct 1, 2026
  • Benzene
  • Cyclohexane
  • Benzene hexachloride
  • Chlorobenzene
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Decarboxylation is the loss of \(\text{CO}_2\) from a carboxylic acid or its sodium salt. For sodium salts, it is done by heating with soda lime (\(\text{NaOH} + \text{CaO}\)).

Step 2: Reaction:
\[ \text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{COONa} + \text{NaOH} \xrightarrow{\text{CaO},\ \Delta} \text{C}_6\text{H}_6 + \text{Na}_2\text{CO}_3 \]
The \(-\text{COONa}\) group is replaced by \(-\text{H}\), so the product is benzene.

Step 3: Other options:
Cyclohexane needs hydrogenation. Benzene hexachloride needs addition of \(\text{Cl}_2\) in light. Chlorobenzene needs a halogenation step. None happens in decarboxylation.

Final Answer:
The product is benzene, option (A). \[ \boxed{\text{Benzene}} \]
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