Question

Rod March 20 Analysis of Results 1. What is the experimental evidence that fumaric acid is different from maleic acid? Explait using space data/observations from table I. 2. Identify which of the unknowns is maleic acid and which is fumaric acid. Explain your reasoning using specific data observations from table 1 3. Identify the product that was formed in each case after unknowns A and B are treated with HCl and heat. El your reasoning wing specific data observations from table 2.

I only need solutions for Unknown B due to the experiment not being completed Unknown A has no data

Answer 1

Both the acids are geometrical isomers of each other. Maleic acid has cis geometry while Fumaric acid has trans geometry.

This is the major difference where the physical properties of both acids varies.

The most suitable experimental evidence to identify is melting point. The M.P. of maleic acid acid is much lower than fumaric acid due to the intramolecular hydrogen bonding.

The another most advance technique to distinguish these acids is NMR Spectroscopy. Cis-Trans isomers can be easily identified by their J value.