How would #"ethane"# be prepared from #"propanoic acid"#?
2 Answers
Not straightforward.....you have to reduce, then oxidize, then reduce again........
Explanation:
A possible (if unlikely sequence) follows......
Better methods of reduction may be available, i.e.
THe alcohol is eliminated to give propylene.....
The olefin is fiercely oxidized.....
The terminal methylene group is probably lost as carbon dioxide. And now we repeat the reduction process again; it would not be simple.
And finally reduction......
Note that this is an intellectual exercise ONLY. If you want ethane simply dig a hole in the ground and tap underground reserves.
How about this?
Explanation:
Step 1. Neutralization to sodium propanoate
Step 2. Decarboxylation with soda lime
Soda lime is a mixture consisting mostly of calcium hydroxide with small amounts of sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide.