Multiple choice

A mixture of $HCOOH$ and $H_{2}C_{2}O_{4}$ is heated with conc. $H_{2}SO_{4}$. The gas produced is collected and on treating with $KOH$ solution, the volume of gas decreases by $\dfrac{1}{6}th$. Calculate the molar ratio of the two acids in original mixture.

  1. $4:1$
  2. $1: 4$
  3. $3:1$
  4. $2:1$
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
AI explanation

Heating formic acid with concentrated sulfuric acid produces one mole of carbon monoxide, while oxalic acid produces one mole of carbon monoxide and one mole of carbon dioxide. Let the molar ratio be x to 1, making the total gas (x + 1) moles of carbon monoxide and 1 mole of carbon dioxide; because potassium hydroxide absorbs only carbon dioxide, 1 mole is one sixth of the total gas. Solving (x + 2) divided by 6 equals 1 gives x equals 4, meaning the molar ratio is 4:1.

Keep practicing — related questions