View source for Decarboxylation

{{Stub}}
'''Decarboxylation''' is a chemical reaction that removes a carboxyl group and releases [[carbon dioxide]] (CO<sub>2</sub>) and adds a hydrogen in its place.

==Description==
Decarboxylation is done by pyrolysis of the organic compound, in the presence of a catalyst. The reaction product varies, depending on the compound.

==Examples==
For example, decarboxylation of [[sodium acetate]] with [[sodium hydroxide]] yields [[methane]], while decarboxylation of [[calcium acetate]] yields [[acetone]].

Likewise, [[niacin]] will be be decarboxylated to [[pyridine]] in the presence of [[copper chromite]].

[[Salicylic acid]] can be decarboxylated just by strong heating while distilling, yielding [[phenol]].<ref>http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=27617</ref>

==See also==
*[[Hunsdiecker reaction]]

==References==
<references/>
===Relevant Sciencemadness threads===
*[http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=325 Benzene synthesis]
*[http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=27879 Decarboxylation of AA's]

[[Category:Reactions]]