Describe the Kolbe electrolysis reaction of $C_{2}H_{5}COO^{-}Na^{+}$ at the anode and cathode.

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) In an aqueous solution of $C_{2}H_{5}COO^{-}Na^{+}$,the salt dissociates into $C_{2}H_{5}COO^{-}$ and $Na^{+}$ ions.
At the Anode (Oxidation):
The propanoate ion $(C_{2}H_{5}COO^{-})$ migrates to the anode and undergoes oxidation by losing an electron to form an ethyl free radical and carbon dioxide gas.
$2C_{2}H_{5}COO^{-} \rightarrow 2C_{2}H_{5}^{\bullet} + 2CO_{2} + 2e^{-}$
The two ethyl free radicals then combine to form butane:
$2C_{2}H_{5}^{\bullet} \rightarrow C_{4}H_{10}$ (Butane)
Overall reaction at the anode: $2C_{2}H_{5}COO^{-} \rightarrow C_{4}H_{10} + 2CO_{2} + 2e^{-}$
At the Cathode (Reduction):
Water molecules are reduced at the cathode to produce hydrogen gas and hydroxide ions:
$2H_{2}O + 2e^{-} \rightarrow H_{2} + 2OH^{-}$

Explore More

Similar Questions

The reaction $CH_2 = CH_2 + H_2 \xrightarrow[250 - 300^{\circ}C]{Ni} CH_3 - CH_3$ is called:

Identify the final product $C$ in the following reaction sequence:
$Br-(CH_2)_5-Br$ $\xrightarrow{Na, \text{D.E.}} A$ $\xrightarrow{Br_2, \Delta} B$ $\xrightarrow{\text{alc. KOH}, \Delta} C$

Give the conversion reaction for $methane$ to $ethane$.

Consider the given sequence of reactions.
$C_2H_6 + \frac{3}{2}O_2$ $\xrightarrow[\Delta]{(CH_3COO)_2Mn} X$ $\xrightarrow{NaOH} Y$
Electrolysis of aqueous solution of $Y$ gives gases $P$ and $Q$ at anode. $P$ and $Q$ are respectively.

Which of the following reactions proceeds via a secondary free radical?

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo