What is the mass (in grams) of the hydrocarbon formed when 0.5...

Sodium adipate is the sodium salt of adipic acid, having the chemical formula $\text{NaOOC-(CH}_2\text{)}_4\text{-COONa}$.

When sodium adipate is heated strongly with an excess of soda lime (a mixture of $\text{NaOH}$ and $\text{CaO}$), it undergoes decarboxylation. Both carboxylate groups are removed as sodium carbonate, and hydrogen atoms replace them to form an alkane.

The reaction is:
$\text{NaOOC-(CH}_2\text{)}_4\text{-COONa} + 2\text{NaOH} \xrightarrow{\text{CaO, } \Delta} \text{CH}_3\text{-CH}_2\text{-CH}_2\text{-CH}_3 + 2\text{Na}_2\text{CO}_3$

The hydrocarbon formed is butane ($\text{C}_4\text{H}_{10}$).

The molar mass of butane is $4 \times 12 + 10 \times 1 = 58 \text{ g/mol}$.

From the stoichiometry of the reaction, $1$ mole of sodium adipate yields $1$ mole of butane. Therefore, $0.5$ moles of sodium adipate will produce $0.5$ moles of butane.

Mass of butane formed = $0.5 \text{ moles} \times 58 \text{ g/mol} = 29 \text{ g}$.

Answer: $29$