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

Consider the following reaction sequence and identify the major product $P$.
$CH_3CH_2OH$ $\xrightarrow[(ii) KMnO_4]{(i) Jones' Reagent}$ $\xrightarrow[(iii) NaOH, CaO, \Delta]{} P$

$C_2H_6 \xrightarrow{450^{\circ}C} C_2H_4 + H_2$
The above reaction is called:

What is the condition to obtain $C_2H_5Cl$ in excess?

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

The number of different substitution products possible when bromine and ethane are allowed to react is:

Difficult
View Solution

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