There are seven acids that can be taken to obtain isobutane by decarboxylation.

Introduction:
Decarboxylation is a chemical reaction that involves the removal of a carboxyl group (-COOH) from a molecule, resulting in the formation of a new compound. Isobutane is a hydrocarbon with the molecular formula C4H10. It can be obtained by the decarboxylation of certain acids.

Decarboxylation reaction:
During decarboxylation, a carboxyl group (-COOH) is removed from an organic acid, resulting in the formation of a carbon dioxide molecule (CO2) and a new compound. The general reaction can be represented as follows:
Organic acid → Carbon dioxide + New compound

Acids that can be decarboxylated to obtain isobutane:
Isobutane can be obtained by the decarboxylation of certain acids. Some of the acids that can undergo decarboxylation to produce isobutane are:

1. Isobutyric acid (2-Methylpropanoic acid):
Isobutyric acid can undergo decarboxylation to produce isobutane. The reaction can be represented as follows:
CH3CH2COOH → CH3CH(CH3)2 + CO2

2. 3,3-Dimethylbutanoic acid:
3,3-Dimethylbutanoic acid can also undergo decarboxylation to yield isobutane. The reaction can be represented as follows:
(CH3)2CHCH2COOH → CH3CH(CH3)2 + CO2

Explanation:
During the decarboxylation reaction, the carboxyl group (-COOH) is removed from the organic acid, resulting in the formation of carbon dioxide (CO2) and a new compound. In the case of isobutane, the new compound formed is isobutane (C4H10).

Isobutyric acid (2-Methylpropanoic acid) and 3,3-Dimethylbutanoic acid are examples of acids that can undergo decarboxylation to produce isobutane. These acids have specific structural characteristics that make them prone to decarboxylation. The presence of a methyl group (CH3) attached to the alpha carbon (adjacent to the carboxyl group) makes these acids reactive and susceptible to decarboxylation.

When subjected to appropriate conditions (e.g., heat or catalysts), the carboxyl group is cleaved from the acid, resulting in the formation of isobutane and carbon dioxide. Isobutane is a useful compound in various applications, including as a fuel and as a starting material in the production of other chemicals.

Conclusion:
Isobutane can be obtained by the decarboxylation of specific acids, such as isobutyric acid and 3,3-Dimethylbutanoic acid. The removal of the carboxyl group from these acids results in the formation of isobutane and carbon dioxide. Understanding the properties and reactivity of these acids allows for the controlled production of isobutane through decarboxylation reactions.