3. Oxalic acid, C H20, is a toxic substance found in rhubarb leaves. When mixed with sufficient quantities of a strong base, this weak diprotic acid loses two protons to form a polyatomic ion
called oxalate, C2022. Write a balanced equation that describes the reaction between oxalic acid
and sodium hydroxide.

COOHCOOH + 2OH⁻ ⇄  C₂O₄²⁻ + 2H₂O

Explanation:

The reaction of oxalic acid with a strong base like sodium hydroxide is the following:

COOHCOOH + OH⁻ ⇄ COOHCOO⁻ + H₂O    (1)

In this first reaction, the oxalic acid loses one proton. In a second reaction with NaOH, the ion COOHCOO⁻ loses its second proton to form ion oxalate as follows:

COOHCOO⁻ + OH⁻ ⇄ C₂O₄²⁻ + H₂O      (2)  

The general reaction between oxalic acid and NaOH is (eq 1 + eq 2):

COOHCOOH + 2OH⁻ ⇄  C₂O₄²⁻ + 2H₂O              

I hope it helps you!