The reaction of sodium acetate and soda lime gives: A. butane B. ethane C. methane D. propane

The reaction of sodium acetate with soda lime is a classic example of a **decarboxylation reaction**.

### Explanation:

- Sodium acetate (CH₃COONa) is a salt of acetic acid (CH₃COOH).
- Soda lime is a mixture of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and calcium oxide (CaO). It is commonly used in decarboxylation reactions to remove a carboxyl group (-COOH) from carboxylic acids or their salts.

The reaction proceeds as follows:

\[
\text{CH}_3\text{COONa} + \text{NaOH} \xrightarrow{\text{CaO}, \text{heat}} \text{CH}_4 + \text{Na}_2\text{CO}_3
\]

In this reaction:
- Sodium acetate reacts with soda lime (NaOH and CaO) upon heating.
- The carboxyl group (-COOH) is removed from the sodium acetate as carbon dioxide (CO₂), leaving behind methane (CH₄).

### Final Answer:
The product of the reaction is **methane** (CH₄), so the correct answer is:

**C. methane**.