Multiple choice

A mixture of formic acid and oxalic acid is heated with concentrated ${H}{2}{SO}{4}$. The gaseous product is passed into $KOH$ solution where the volume decreases by 1/6th. The molecular proportion of the organic acids, formic acids and oxalic acid in the mixture is ___.

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

Formic acid (HCOOH) + H2SO4 -> CO + H2O. Oxalic acid (H2C2O4) + H2SO4 -> CO + CO2 + H2O. KOH absorbs CO2. Let x be moles of formic and y be moles of oxalic. CO2 produced = y. Total gas = x + 2y. Volume decrease = y. Given y / (x + 2y) = 1/6. 6y = x + 2y, so x = 4y. Ratio x:y = 4:1.

Keep practicing — related questions