What Happens When Potassium Oxalate Reacts With Hydrochloric Acid?

When potassium oxalate reacts with hydrochloric acid, a double displacement reaction occurs. The potassium cation (K+) from the potassium oxalate combines with the chloride anion (Cl-) from the hydrochloric acid to form potassium chloride (KCl), which is soluble in water. Meanwhile, the oxalate anion (C2O4 2-) combines with two hydrogen ions (H+) from the hydrochloric acid to form oxalic acid (H2C2O4), which is a weak organic acid and also soluble in water. Overall, the balanced chemical equation for the reaction is:

K2C2O4 + 2HCl → 2KCl + H2C2O4

The reaction is exothermic and releases heat. Additionally, the oxalic acid formed can further react with more hydrochloric acid to produce carbon dioxide gas (CO2) and water (H2O). This reaction is given by the following equation:

H2C2O4 + 2HCl → CO2 + 2H2O + 2Cl-

Overall, the reaction between potassium oxalate and hydrochloric acid results in the formation of potassium chloride and oxalic acid, with the possibility of further reacting to produce carbon dioxide gas and water.