Chapter 1, Problem 1.12E

Succinic acid, a white solid that melts at $\text{182°C}$, is heated gently, and a gas is given off. After the gas evolution stops, a white solid remains that melts at a temperature different from $\text{182°C}$.

a. Have the succinic acid molecules been changed by the process? Explain your answer.

b. Is the white solid that remains after heating still succinic acid? Explain you answer.

c. In terms of the number of atoms contained, how do you think the size of succinic acid compares with the size of the molecules of the white solid produced by this process? Explain your answer.

d. Classify molecules of succinic acid by using the term homoatomic or heteroatomic. Explain your reasoning.