What is the balanced molecular equation for titration of oxalic acid?
To determine the balanced molecular equation for the titration of oxalic acid, we need to consider the reaction that takes place during the titration.
Oxalic acid, which has the chemical formula H2C2O4, is a diprotic acid. This means that it can donate two protons (H+) per molecule. During titration, it reacts with a strong base, such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The reaction is as follows:
H2C2O4 (aq) + 2 NaOH (aq) → Na2C2O4 (aq) + 2 H2O (l)
In this reaction, each molecule of oxalic acid (H2C2O4) reacts with two molecules of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to form one molecule of sodium oxalate (Na2C2O4) and two molecules of water (H2O).
Thus, the balanced molecular equation for the titration of oxalic acid is:
H2C2O4 (aq) + 2 NaOH (aq) → Na2C2O4 (aq) + 2 H2O (l)
Remember that this balanced equation represents the overall reaction that occurs during the titration, but it does not necessarily reflect the complete ionic equation or net ionic equation.