If sodium benzoate labeled with a radioactive Carbon-14 atom exclusively at the carboxylate carbon () is heated with soda-lime, where is the radioactivity found?

Question

If sodium benzoate labeled with a radioactive Carbon-14 atom exclusively at the carboxylate carbon ($C_6H_5-^{14}COONa$) is heated with soda-lime, where is the radioactivity found?

Prashant Kotian · Accepted Answer

Correct answer: A. Decarboxylation completely removes the carboxylate group () from the ring. It combines with the basic to form sodium carbonate. Thus, the heavy isotope never enters the benzene ring.

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