Equivalent Weight of Crystalline Oxalic Acid

Crystalline oxalic acid, also known as ethanedioic acid, is a white, odorless solid compound commonly found in many plants and vegetables. It has a chemical formula of H2C2O4. The equivalent weight of a compound is the amount of the substance that can donate or accept one mole of electrons.

Determination of Equivalent Weight

To determine the equivalent weight of crystalline oxalic acid, we need to consider its chemical formula and the number of moles of electrons it can donate or accept during a chemical reaction.

Chemical Formula of Crystalline Oxalic Acid

The chemical formula of crystalline oxalic acid is H2C2O4. This means that each molecule of oxalic acid contains 2 hydrogen atoms, 2 carbon atoms, and 4 oxygen atoms.

Number of Moles of Electrons

To find the number of moles of electrons, we need to analyze the oxidation-reduction reactions involving oxalic acid. In these reactions, oxalic acid can donate or accept a maximum of 2 moles of electrons.

Explanation

When oxalic acid is oxidized, it loses electrons and gets converted into carbon dioxide and water. In this reaction, each mole of oxalic acid donates 2 moles of electrons.

H2C2O4 → 2CO2 + 2H2O + 2e-

On the other hand, when oxalic acid is reduced, it accepts electrons and gets converted into carbon monoxide and water. In this reaction, each mole of oxalic acid accepts 2 moles of electrons.

2H2C2O4 + 2e- → 2CO + 2H2O

Equivalent Weight Calculation

To calculate the equivalent weight, we divide the molar mass of oxalic acid by the number of moles of electrons it can donate or accept. The molar mass of crystalline oxalic acid is 90.03 g/mol.

Equivalent Weight = Molar Mass / Moles of Electrons

In the case of crystalline oxalic acid, it can donate or accept 2 moles of electrons. Therefore,

Equivalent Weight = 90.03 g/mol / 2 mol = 45.015 g/equiv

Hence, the equivalent weight of crystalline oxalic acid is approximately 45.015 g/equiv.

Conclusion

The equivalent weight of crystalline oxalic acid is determined by considering its chemical formula and the number of moles of electrons it can donate or accept. In the case of oxalic acid, it can donate or accept 2 moles of electrons, leading to an equivalent weight of approximately 45.015 g/equiv.

126/2 63