Concept:The dry distillation (strong heating without solvent) of calcium salts of carboxylic acids is a classic preparatory method for symmetric ketones.
Formula:$$ (CH_3COO)_2Ca \xrightarrow{\Delta} CH_3-CO-CH_3 + CaCO_3 $$
Solution:- Calcium acetate consists of a calcium ion bonded to two acetate (\( CH_3COO^- \)) molecules.
- Upon dry heating, the molecule undergoes thermal decomposition, eliminating a molecule of calcium carbonate (\( CaCO_3 \)).
- The remaining fragments collapse into a single molecule containing a carbonyl bonded to two methyl groups, which is Acetone (Propanone).
Why other options are incorrect:Acetaldehyde would require heating a mixture of calcium acetate and calcium formate. Acetic acid and ethane are not thermal decomposition products of this salt.
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