Question

Soda lime test is used to identify which of the following functional groups?
A. carboxylic acid
B. ketone
C. aldehyde
D. None

Answer 1

Hint: We know that soda lime is a mixture of sodium hydroxide and calcium hydroxide. Soda lime is used in closed breathing environments like submarines, recompression chambers and underground rooms because it absorbs the carbon dioxide and prevents carbon dioxide poisoning.

Complete step by step solution:
We know that soda lime is a special compound because it can absorb carbon dioxide from a given compound. When we react soda lime with carboxylic acid the carbon dioxide is released and we get the corresponding hydrocarbon compound. So soda lime can be used to test the compounds whether they contain carboxylic acid as the functional group. We can take an example, $C{H_3}COONa + NaOH\xrightarrow{{soda\;lime}}C{H_4} + N{a_2}C{O_3}$. So from the above explanation and example it is clear to us that soda lime is used to identify carboxylic acids.

So, the correct answer of the given question is : A.

Additional information:
Soda lime can be dangerous. It can cause eyes and skin burns. It can disturb the respiratory system of the human body. Soda lime plays an important role in anaesthesia use. It can be used in gas masks because it can absorb the toxic gases.

Note: Always remember that soda lime can absorb carbon dioxide from organic compounds which contain carboxylic acids as the functional group. It can cause severe eye and skin burns. Soda lime is formed when slaked lime is reacted with sodium hydroxide.It is used in places where there is a chance of carbon dioxide poisoning and carbon dioxide retention. Soda lime can also absorb water vapour.