NEETChemistryHydrocarbons
What is the role of soda lime in the decarboxylation of aromatic acids?
Options
- ACatalyst
- BDehydrating agent
- CReducing agent
- DBase
Correct answer
D. Base
Step-by-step solution
Sodalime, which is a mixture of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and calcium oxide (CaO), acts as a base in the decarboxylation reaction by abstracting the carboxylic acid group (-COOH) from the aromatic acid.