Step 1: Understanding Kolbe's Electrolysis of Sodium Propanoate
Kolbe's electrolysis is a type of electrolysis that involves the decarboxylation of carboxylate salts, such as sodium propanoate. In this process, at the anode, two carboxylate ions combine to form an alkane (a hydrocarbon) and carbon dioxide. At the cathode, hydrogen gas is liberated due to the reduction of protons (H+). The reaction at the anode is: In this case, the carboxylate ion is derived from sodium propanoate (C2H5COONa), and two of these combine to form butane (C4H10) at the anode. Hydrogen gas (H2) is released at the cathode.
Step 2: Identifying Products at the Anode and Cathode
Given that sodium propanoate (C2H5COONa) is used, the products formed at the anode and cathode will be: - At the anode: The two propanoate ions combine to form butane (C4H10).
- At the cathode: Hydrogen gas (H2) is released. Thus, the correct products are butane (C4H10) at the anode and hydrogen (H2) at the cathode.
Step 3: Conclusion
The correct products are and , which corresponds to option (3).