Aqueous solution of sodium bioxalate = basic or acidic??

Question

i thought that NaHC2O4 in water would produce NaOH (a strong base) and also H2C2O4 (oxalic acid, weak acid) therefore the solution would be basic, but the back of the book says it should be acidic. Why is that? Am i wrong or the book is wrong?

Answer 1

The book is right. HC2O4- ===> H+ + C2O4=

You are right to think of the possibility that OH- might be produced, because that is the case with bicarbonate, HCO3-. HSO4- is mildly acidic. It all depends upon the values of the first and second ionization constants, Ka's, of these acids. Don't be discouraged. You're learning.