Chapter 16, Problem 16.84QP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The $K_{{\text{a}}_1},K_{{\text{a}}_2}$ values for oxalic acid are given to be $5.9\times {10}^{-2},6.4\times {10}^{-5}$ respectively. The values of $K_{{\text{b}}_1},$ and $K_{{\text{b}}_2}$ of the oxalate anion are to be calculated.

Concept introduction: The acidic nature of any substance is determined by its $K_{\text{a}}$ value. The $K_{\text{a}}$ value is necessary to find out the values of other terms. The $K_{\text{b}}$ value is calculated by the formula,

$K_{\text{b}}=\frac{K_{\text{w}}}{K_{\text{a}}}$

To determine: The values of $K_{{\text{b}}_1},$ and $K_{{\text{b}}_2}$ of the oxalate anion.