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  • Oxalic Acid and Ammonium Hydroxide Reaction: Chemical Equation & Explanation
    The reaction between oxalic acid (H₂C₂O₄) and ammonium hydroxide (NH₄OH) is a neutralization reaction that produces ammonium oxalate (NH₄)₂C₂O₄ and water (H₂O).

    Here's the balanced chemical equation:

    H₂C₂O₄ (aq) + 2 NH₄OH (aq) → (NH₄)₂C₂O₄ (aq) + 2 H₂O (l)

    Explanation:

    * Oxalic acid is a diprotic acid, meaning it can donate two hydrogen ions (H⁺).

    * Ammonium hydroxide is a weak base, providing hydroxide ions (OH⁻).

    * When these react, the H⁺ from the acid combines with the OH⁻ from the base to form water.

    * The remaining ions, ammonium (NH₄⁺) and oxalate (C₂O₄²⁻), form the salt ammonium oxalate.

    Observations:

    * The reaction is exothermic, meaning it releases heat.

    * If the concentration of the reactants is high, a white precipitate of ammonium oxalate may form.

    Uses:

    * Ammonium oxalate is used in analytical chemistry as a precipitant for calcium and other metals.

    * It is also used as a mordant in dyeing and as a reducing agent in photography.

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