Calcium Formate on Dry Heating Yields Formaldehyde

Introduction:
Calcium formate is the calcium salt of formic acid. It is a white crystalline solid which is highly soluble in water. When it is heated, it undergoes decomposition to produce various products.

Decomposition of Calcium Formate:
Calcium formate on dry heating undergoes decomposition to produce the following products.

1. Calcium Oxide:
Calcium formate decomposes to produce calcium oxide as a byproduct. Calcium oxide is a white, alkaline, and crystalline solid that is also known as quicklime. It is highly reactive and can react with water to produce calcium hydroxide.

2. Carbon Monoxide:
Calcium formate also produces carbon monoxide upon decomposition. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and toxic gas that is produced by incomplete combustion of carbon-containing compounds. It is a very important industrial gas used in various processes.

3. Water:
Water is also produced as a byproduct of calcium formate decomposition. This is because formic acid, which is the precursor of calcium formate, contains a hydroxyl group (-OH).

4. Formaldehyde:
Formaldehyde is also produced upon decomposition of calcium formate. Formaldehyde is a colorless, strong-smelling gas that is used in various industrial applications. It is also a potential human carcinogen.

Conclusion:
Calcium formate on dry heating yields formaldehyde as one of the products of its decomposition. Therefore, option B, formaldehyde, is the correct answer.

Calcium formate on dry heating yields 2 moles of formaldehyde. it is an example of thermal decomposition.
calcium formate(HCOO)2Ca dry heating formation of two moles of formaldehyde (HCHO) and calcium carbonate (CaCO3).. so answer is option B