Balancing the Equation: COOH2 NaOH H2O

In the context of chemical reactions, balancing an equation is crucial for understanding the stoichiometry and ensuring a correct ratio of reactants and products. This article focuses on the neutralization reaction between oxalic acid (COOH2) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Specifically, we will examine the balanced equation and provide a detailed analysis using the given reaction example.

Introduction to the Reaction

Oxalic acid, a dicarboxylic acid, can be represented by the chemical formula HOOC-COOH. Sodium hydroxide is a strong base, typically represented by the formula NaOH. The reaction between these two substances is a classic example of a neutralization reaction. This reaction involves the formation of water (H2O) and a salt (sodium oxalate, Na2C2O4) as products.

Balanced Chemical Equation

Let's start by writing the balanced chemical equation for the reaction between oxalic acid and sodium hydroxide.

The balanced chemical equation is:

COOH2 2NaOH → Na2C2O4 2H2O

Analysis of the Reaction

To analyze the reaction between oxalic acid (COOH2) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH), we need to check the balance of each element in the equation.

Step 1: Balancing the Equation

First, let's list the reactants and products:

Reactants: 1 molecule of oxalic acid (COOH2) 2 molecules of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) Products: 1 molecule of sodium oxalate (Na2C2O4) 2 molecules of water (H2O)

Step 2: Verifying the Balance

Next, we will verify the balance of each element:

Carbon (C)

2 from COOH2 2 from Na2C2O4

2 from COOH2 2 from 2 NaOH 4 from 2 H2O

Oxygen (O)

4 from COOH2 2 from 2 NaOH 6 from Na2C2O4 2 H2O

Sodium (Na)

2 from 2 NaOH 2 from Na2C2O4

Conclusion

After checking the balance of each element, we can conclude that the equation is balanced:

COOH2 2NaOH → Na2C2O4 2H2O

This means the equation is correctly balanced, and the stoichiometry is accurate.

Further Considerations:

While the balanced equation is COOH2 2NaOH → Na2C2O4 2H2O, it is also important to note that oxalic acid can react as a monoacid, which might yield a different product. For instance, if we were to react oxalic acid with 1 mole of NaOH:

HOOC-COOH NaOH → HOOC-COO- NaH2O

In this case, the product would be sodium hydrogen oxalate, but the balanced chemical equation would remain the same when considering a full reaction with 2 moles of NaOH.

In summary, the balanced equation is:

COOH2 2NaOH → Na2C2O4 2H2O

And this equation is correctly balanced with respect to both mass and charge.