The hydrogen oxalate ion (HC₂O₄⁻) is classified as amphiprotic - HSC - SSCE Chemistry - Question 24 - 2023 - Paper 1
Question 24
The hydrogen oxalate ion (HC₂O₄⁻) is classified as amphiprotic.
Describe, using chemical equations, how this ion is amphiprotic.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The hydrogen oxalate ion (HC₂O₄⁻) is classified as amphiprotic - HSC - SSCE Chemistry - Question 24 - 2023 - Paper 1
Step 1
Demonstrates HC₂O₄⁻ is able to accept protons
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Answer
The hydrogen oxalate ion (HC₂O₄⁻) can accept a proton (H⁺) to form the oxalate ion (C₂O₄²⁻). This reaction can be represented by the following chemical equation:
HC2O4−(aq)+H+(aq)⇌H2C2O4(aq)
Step 2
Demonstrates HC₂O₄⁻ is able to donate protons
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Answer
Alternatively, HC₂O₄⁻ can donate a proton (H⁺) to form water (H₂O) and the oxalate ion (C₂O₄²⁻). This can be expressed in the following equation:
HC2O4−(aq)+OH−(aq)⇌H2O(l)+C2O42−(aq)
Step 3
Conclusion
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Answer
As it can either accept or donate H⁺, the hydrogen oxalate ion (HC₂O₄⁻) can be described as amphiprotic.
