Question

Succinic acid in the Merck Index (hard-copy from Library reserve) or in a MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet from many Internet sources). a) What is its molecular formula? b) What is its molar mass? c) Describe its hazard properties in a few words. 2. Use equations from the Calculations page for the following: If you use 13.024 g of a 5.00% succinic acid solution in this experiment, a) how many grams of succinic acid will be present (show work)? b) How many moles of succinic acid will be present (show work)?
all parts

Answer 1

1.

a) Molecular formula of Succinic acid is C₄H₆O₄. It is a dicarboxylic acid (CH₂)₂(CO₂H)₂

b) Its molar mass (in g /mol) is = (4 x 12) + (1 x 6) + (16 x 4) = 118 g/mol

c) Hazard properties of it are: exposure can lead to eye irritation and damage, irritation of skin and respiratory tract. Also, in neutralizing reaction of Succinic acid with organic or inorganic bases, heat energy is produced in a significant amount. The acid is however not toxic or carcinogenic.

2.

If 13.024 g of 5 % solution of succinic acid is used, then it is a weight% measure of the solute i.e. succinic acid.

a) Therefore, amount of succinic acid present in g = (5/100) x (13.024 g) = 0.6512 g

b) and moles = (amount present in g) / (molar mass in g/mol)

                 = (0.6512 / 118 ) = 0.00552