Question

How do you balance `H_2C_2O_4 + NaOH -> Na_2C_2O_4 + H_2O`?

Answer 1

Oxalic acid + sodium hydroxide `rarr` sodium oxalate + water

Explanation:

Oxalic acid, `HO(O=)C-C(=O)OH`, can react with 2 equiv base in that there are 2 carboxylic acid functions:

`HO(O=)C-C(=O)OH(aq) + 2NaOH(aq) rarr {C(=O)O^-}_2Na_2^+ + 2H_2O(l)`

Is this balanced? For every reactant particle is there a corresponding product particle?