Consider the above reaction sequence and identify the major product P.
(A)Methane✓ Correct
(B)Methanal
(C)Methoxymethane
(D)Methanoic acid
Answer: (A)
Solution
Oxidation of ethanol (whether by Jones reagent, CrO3/H+, or KMnO4) proceeds fully to acetic acid, CH3COOH. Heating its sodium salt with soda lime (NaOH + CaO) effects decarboxylation:
CH3COONa+NaOHCaO,ΔCH4+Na2CO3
The major product P is methane.
JEE Main · 2024 · 05 Apr 2024 · Shift 2 · Single correct option