1991 WAEC Chemistry Theory  Methane is obtained when a powdered mixture of anhydrous sodium ethanoate and soda-lime is heated...

Methane is obtained when a powdered mixture of anhydrous sodium ethanoate and soda-lime is heated in a hard glass test tube.

(a) Write an equation for the reaction.

b) Explain briefly why soda-lime is preferred to sodium hydroxide for the preparation.

(a) CH\(_3\)COONa\(_{(s)}\) + NaOH\(_{(S)}\) ----> Na\(_2\)CO\(_{3(S)}\) + CH\(_{4(g)}\)

(soda lime)

(b) Sodalime is simply the iron deliquescent form of sodium hydroxide and this is necessary to keep the medium of reaction dry.

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