Question

Write a net ionic equation for the reaction that occurs when:

1. equal molar aqueous solutions of oxalic acid and sodium hydroxide are mixed

2. solid oxalic acid is mixed with excess sodium hydroxide solution

Answer 1

Solution:

A) When equal molar aqueous sodium hydroxide reacts with aqueous oxalic acid as,

H2C2O4 (aq) + NaOH (aq) = NaHC2O4 (aq) + H2O(l)

Therefore,

Ionic equation,

H2C2O4(aq) + Na+ (aq) + OH-(aq) = Na+ (aq) + HC2O4-(aq) + H2O(l)

Net ionic equation:

H2C2O4(aq) + OH-(aq) = HC2O4-(aq) + H2O(l)

B) Solid sodium hydroxide reacts with oxalic acid as shown in the reaction below.

H2C2O4(s) + 2 NaOH(aq) = Na2C2O4(aq) + 2 H2O(l)

Ionic equation:

H2C2O4(s) + 2Na+ (aq) + 2OH-(aq) = 2Na+ (aq) + C2O4^2- (aq) + 2H2O(l)

Net ionic equation:

H2C2O4(s) + 2OH-(aq) = C2O4^2-(aq) + 2H2O(l)