\(\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{COONa} \xrightarrow[\Delta]{\text { soda lime }}\)

CONCEPT:

Decarboxylation Reaction

• Decarboxylation is a chemical reaction that removes a carboxyl group and releases carbon dioxide (CO₂). Usually, decarboxylation refers to a reaction of carboxylic acids, removing a carbon atom from a carbon chain.
• When a carboxylic acid is heated in the presence of soda lime (a mixture of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and calcium oxide (CaO)), the carboxyl group (-COOH) is removed as carbon dioxide (CO₂), and the remaining alkyl chain forms a hydrocarbon.

EXPLANATION:

• In the given reaction:

  CH₃CH₂CH₂COONa → CH₃CH₂CH₃ + CO₂ (in the presence of soda lime and heat)

  • The compound CH₃CH₂CH₂COONa (sodium butanoate) undergoes decarboxylation.
  • During the decarboxylation reaction, the -COONa group is removed and replaced by a hydrogen atom.
  • The product formed is propane (CH₃CH₂CH₃).

Therefore, the correct answer is CH₃CH₂CH₃.