Prove Ka1 x Kb2 = Kw for oxalic acid, H2C2O4 by utilizing both the chemical equi

Question

Prove Ka1 x Kb2 = Kw for oxalic acid, H2C2O4 by utilizing both the chemical equilibrium expression that corresponds to the first ionization step of the acid in water with the equilibrium expression for the partially deprotonated hydrogenoxalate HC2O4- its conjugate base. Prove Ka1 x Kb2 = Kw for oxalic acid, H2C2O4 by utilizing both the chemical equilibrium expression that corresponds to the first ionization step of the acid in water with the equilibrium expression for the partially deprotonated hydrogenoxalate HC2O4- its conjugate base.

Explanation / Answer

Oxalic acid Ka1 = 5.6×10–2

H2C2O4   + H2O   ----------------> HC2O4-   + H3O+

Ka1 = [H3O+][HC2O4-] / [H2C2O4]

HC2O4- + H2O   ---------------> H2C2O4 + OH-

Kb2 = [OH-][H2C2O4] / [HC2O4-]

Now :

Ka1 x Kb2 = ([H3O+][HC2O4-] / [H2C2O4] ) x ( [OH-][H2C2O4] / [HC2O4-])

                 = [H3O+][OH-]

Ka1 x Kb2 = Kw

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse P
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.