Identify the product \(‘X’\) in the following reaction:

\(C_2H_5COONa \underset{Heat}{\overset{NaOH + CaO}{\longrightarrow}} X + Na_2CO_3\)

\(C_2H_6\)

The correct answer is (2) \(C_2H_6\).

It's important to keep in mind that NaOH is hygroscopic, meaning it readily absorbs moisture from the air and forms a solution of sodium hydroxide.
Decarboxylation is a chemical process that eliminates a carboxyl group and releases carbon dioxide (CO₂). Specifically, it involves the removal of a carbon atom from a carbon chain, usually associated with carboxylic acids.
Soda lime, on the other hand, has a low affinity for water absorption. In a reaction, solid sodium salt of a carboxylic acid is combined with solid soda lime and then heated. This reaction results in the removal of carbon dioxide molecules, indicating that it's a decarboxylation reaction. Initially, the reaction between an acid and soda lime forms sodium benzoate, followed by a decarboxylation step. It's important to note that the end product of this reaction is ethane.
The decarboxylation of sodium propionate can be represented as follows:

\(C_2H_{5}COONa \underset{Heat}{\overset{NaOH + CaO}{\longrightarrow}} C_2H_6 + Na_2CO_3\)