Question:Which of the following compounds will readily lose CO₂when heated?

Decarboxylation is a process of removal of the carbonyl group that in turn removes carbon dioxide from any structure. The process is entropically favorable due to the release of gas.

Decarboxylation occurs when a carboxylic group (-COOH) is bonded to the - carbon of another carbonyl group or a structure where a $\beta$-keto acid is present. After the removal of carbon dioxide, the negative charge formed in the adjacent carbonyl group is stabilized by the -I effect of the carbonyl group.

This structure is stabilized by $\alpha$- carboxylic group to undergo decarboxylation.

Representation of a structure where decarboxylation is not possible.

This structure is non-stabilized to undergo decarboxylation.

This structure is stabilized by $\beta$-keto to undergo decarboxylation.

Representation of a structure where decarboxylation is not possible.

This structure is non-stabilized to undergo decarboxylation.

Hence, based on the explanations, the compounds that readily lose CO₂ when heated are shown below

Molecules that undergo decarboxylation.