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Difference between Kolbe's electrolysis and sodalime method?
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Difference between Kolbe's electrolysis and sodalime method?
Kolbe's electrolysis and Sodalime method are two different methods used for the preparation of alkanes. Following are the differences between both the methods:

Kolbe's electrolysis:

  • Kolbe's electrolysis is an electrochemical method used for the preparation of alkanes.

  • In this method, the electrolysis of the sodium or potassium salt of the carboxylic acid is carried out in the presence of an inert electrolyte such as benzene, toluene, or xylene.

  • The carboxylate ion is first formed by the addition of the sodium or potassium ion to the carboxylic acid. The carboxylate ion is then subjected to electrolysis.

  • The anode reaction involves the removal of electrons from the carboxylate ion to form a free radical intermediate. This intermediate then reacts with another carboxylate ion to form the alkane.

  • The cathode reaction involves the reduction of the solvent to hydrogen gas.

  • The method is applicable only for the preparation of alkanes with an even number of carbon atoms.

  • The method is used for the preparation of alkanes with up to 10 carbon atoms.



Sodalime method:

  • Sodalime method is a chemical method used for the preparation of alkanes.

  • In this method, the carboxylic acid is heated with soda lime (a mixture of sodium hydroxide and calcium oxide) at high temperature.

  • The soda lime removes the acidic proton of the carboxylic acid to form a carboxylate ion.

  • The carboxylate ion then undergoes a nucleophilic substitution with the hydroxide ion to form the alkane.

  • The method is applicable for the preparation of alkanes with an odd number of carbon atoms.

  • The method is used for the preparation of alkanes with up to 6 carbon atoms.



In summary, Kolbe's electrolysis is an electrochemical method while Sodalime method is a chemical method for the preparation of alkanes. Kolbe's electrolysis is applicable only for the preparation of alkanes with an even number of carbon atoms while Sodalime method is applicable for the preparation of alkanes with an odd number of carbon atoms.
Community Answer
Difference between Kolbe's electrolysis and sodalime method?
Both the reaction is decarboxylation reaction.in both reaction co2 is released but
.1.in kolbe electrolysis = Free radical is formed as intermediate.
2.in sodalime method= carbanion is formed as intermediate.
In kolbe electrolysis = no.of carbon INCREASES.
in sodalime method= no.of carbon DECREASES.
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Difference between Kolbe's electrolysis and sodalime method?
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