When sodium formate (HCOONa) reacts with soda lime (a mixture of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and calcium oxide (CaO)), the following reaction takes place:

HCOONa + NaOH → Na₂CO₃ + H₂

Here's a breakdown of what happens:

* Decomposition: The heat from the soda lime causes the sodium formate to decompose into sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) and hydrogen gas (H₂).

* Role of Soda Lime:

* NaOH: The sodium hydroxide acts as a base, promoting the decomposition of sodium formate.

* CaO: Calcium oxide is a strong desiccant (drying agent) that absorbs any water produced during the reaction. This helps to drive the reaction forward.

Therefore, the reaction between sodium formate and soda lime produces sodium carbonate and hydrogen gas.

Note: This reaction is a classic laboratory method for producing hydrogen gas.