Enthalpy of neutralization of oxalic acid is –25.4 kcal/mol using strong base, NaOH. Enthalpy change — Thermodynamics and Thermochemistry Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Oxalic acid is a dibasic weak acid (provides 2 moles of $\text{H}^+$). The theoretical heat of neutralization for 2 moles of strong acid is $-13.7 \times 2 = -27.4\text{ kcal}$. The actual heat is $-25.4\text{ kcal/mol}$. The difference, which is the heat of dissociation, is $27.4 - 25.4 = 2.0\text{ kcal/mol}$.