Calcium oxalate dihydrate is CaC2O4 2H20. Write the equation for the reaction which will occur when this hydrate is heated to a temperature slightly in excess of 100 degrees C.
CaC2O4.H2O + heat ==>CaC2O4 + 2H2O
When calcium oxalate dihydrate (CaC2O4 2H2O) is heated to a temperature slightly in excess of 100 degrees Celsius, it undergoes a dehydration reaction. The equation for this reaction is as follows:
CaC2O4 2H2O (s) --> CaC2O4 (s) + 2H2O (g)
In this reaction, the hydrated calcium oxalate dihydrate solid loses its water of hydration and forms anhydrous calcium oxalate solid (CaC2O4) and water vapor (H2O gas).
To write the equation for the reaction, we need to know how the hydrate will decompose when heated. In this case, calcium oxalate dihydrate (CaC2O4 2H2O) will lose its water of crystallization upon heating. The general formula for the decomposition of hydrates can be represented as follows:
Hydrate (s) -> Anhydrous compound (s) + Water (g)
Applying this formula to the given hydrate, we can write the equation as follows:
CaC2O4 2H2O (s) -> CaC2O4 (s) + 2H2O (g)
This equation represents the decomposition of calcium oxalate dihydrate into an anhydrous compound called calcium oxalate (CaC2O4) and water (H2O) in the gaseous state.
Note: Make sure to balance the equation properly in terms of atoms and charges if required.