Question

Which of the following compounds on hydrolysis produce methane?
A) $CaC{N_2}$
B) $Ca{C_2}$
C) $A{l_4}{C_3}$
D) $SiC$

Answer 1

Hint: Every chemical reaction in which a water molecule splits one or more chemical bonds is known as hydrolysis. The term refers to any addition, reduction, or solvation reaction in which the nucleophile is water.

Complete step-by-step answer:
Option A) $CaC{N_2}$ : As calcium cyanamide is hydrolyzed, it releases $N{H_3}(g)$ as well as calcium carbonate. It can be dissolved in ice water (hydrolysis on the anion). Hot water completely decomposes it.
$CaC{N_2} + 3{H_2}O \to CaC{O_3} + 2N{H_3} \uparrow $
Since, methane is not produced. Hence, this option is incorrect.

Option B) $Ca{C_2}$ : The hydrolysis reaction of calcium carbide produces acetylene (C2H2) steam, a possible fuel for SOFCs. The reaction between calcium carbide and water is extremely exothermic, producing acetylene and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) as a byproduct.
$Ca{C_2} + 2{H_2}O \to Ca{(OH)_2} + {C_2}{H_2}$
Since, methane is not produced. Hence, this option is incorrect.

Option C) $A{l_4}{C_3}$ : Aluminium carbide hydrolysis is an irreversible method. Methane and aluminium hydroxide are released during this reaction. This reaction is a quick and easy way to make methane in the lab.
$A{l_4}{C_3} + 12{H_2}O \to 4Al{(OH)_3} + 3C{H_4}$
Hence, this option is correct.

Option D) $SiC$ : Silicon carbide on hydrolysis produce silicon dioxide along with hydrogen and $CO$
$SiC + {H_2}O \to Si{O_2} + {H_2} + CO$
Since, methane is not produced. Hence, this option is incorrect.

Therefore, the correct option is C) $A{l_4}{C_3}$.

Note: Aluminium car­bide is a very rough material that is often used as an abrasive material. The com­pound is a yel­low-brown powder that has no taste. It's a heat-resistant substance with a melting point of more than ${2100^o}C$.