Decarboxylation of sodium benzoate () using soda-lime is a standard method to prepare benzene. What — Hydrocarbons Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Soda-lime is a solid mixture of sodium hydroxide ($NaOH$) and calcium oxide ($CaO$) in a 3:1 ratio. The $CaO$ keeps the hygroscopic $NaOH$ dry and prevents it from melting and damaging the glass apparatus at high heat.