Question

Complete the reaction,
$NaOH(s) + CO$ $\xrightarrow{{{{200}^o }C}}$
(A) $NaHC{O_3}$
(B) $NaHC{O_2}$
(C) $HCOONa$
(D) ${H_2}C{O_3}$

Answer 1

We know that there are several methods to prepare sodium formate. One such method is by passing carbon mono-oxide gas over sodium hydroxide. This reaction occurs at high temperature and pressure.

Complete step-by-step answer: We know that sodium hydroxide is an inorganic compound. It is also known as caustic soda. It is ionic and is a white crystalline solid. It has a formula $NaOH$ with cation $N{a^ + }$ and anion $O{H^ - }$ . Carbon monoxide is a colorless, toxic gas. It is harmful to both humans and animals. It consists of one carbon atom bonded to an oxygen atom with a triple bond. It is a neutral oxide. When this gas is passed through sodium hydroxide following reaction occurs:
$NaOH(s) + CO$ $\xrightarrow{{{{200}^0 }C}}$ $C{H_3}COONa$
Since sodium hydroxide is a s trong base and carbon monoxide is a neutral oxide, this reaction can only occur at high temperature and pressure. A pressure of $6 - 10$ $bar$ pressure is required. No reaction will occur between sodium hydroxide with carbon monoxide at normal room and temperature.
The product formed is sodium formate. It is also known as formic acid or sodium salt. For commercial use, sodium formate is prepared by absorbing carbon monoxide over sodium hydroxide. Sodium formate is used in fabric dyeing and printing processes. The salt that is sodium formate is a basic salt and contains a weak base.

Therefore, the correct answer is (C).

Note: It is important to note that there are several other methods to prepare sodium formate. For example, sodium formate is obtained as a by-product in Pentaerythritol synthesis. It can also be prepared by reacting $NaOH$ with chloral hydrate.