[!!!]

I need help on this problem:
"If maleic acid could be represented by the formula H₂Ma, write the two balanced chemical equations for maleic acid’s reaction with NaOH in the space below (be sure to include states of matter).  Show the sequential neturalization of each acidic proton."
Is it correct if I have H₂Ma + NaOH --> MaNa + H₃O?
I have trouble putting down what the products are.

[Arkcon]

Is it correct if I have H₂Ma + NaOH --> MaNa + H₃O?
I have trouble putting down what the products are.

That's wrong for 3 different reasons.  First off H₃O isn't a compound.  Yes we generalize the hydronium ion as H₃O, but it really doesn't happen.  Anyway H₃O is not the product of neutralization.  The products are not charge balanced.

I don't see the states of matter anywhere.  Not really critical, but the question does ask for it, might as well put them in.

They want neutralization sequentally, one proton at a time, you're showing the end.

Is this MaH₂ throwing you off.  It really is the same as H₂SO₄ -- they've just switched the abbreviation of the word for maleic with the SO₄^-2 anion.

[ARGOS++]

Dear !!!;

Maybe you forgot that you changed the charge from Na–Ion in your reaction from +1 to +2, but similar (not for Na!) is “only” possible for a Red-Ox-Reaction, and not in a Neutralisation, where the Ions must keep their Charge, except they build a “neutral” Product like water.

Hint: As a “normal Proton-” Acid the MaH₂ finally spends its Protons and survives as Ma^2- .

I hope it may help you to do the first Steps.

Dear Arkcon: Maleic Acid is not the same as H₂SO₄, but can, in this particular case, be handled in quite similar manner.


Good Luck!
                    ARGOS⁺⁺

[Arkcon]

Dear Arkcon: Maleic Acid is not the same as H₂SO₄, but can, in this particular case, be handled in quite similar manner.

True enough, maleic acid is a weaker acid than sulfuric, but like you say, the rules for the deprotonation of the maleate anion are the same for the sulfate anion.

This appears to be a running theme: Students get a question regarding a neutralization of an organic acid and come up with some totally inappropriate reactions.  I'm looking for a simple way to communicate carboxylic acids ionizing into H+ and organic anion.  The O.P. is lucky the question spells it out, compared to these other unfortunates:

http://www.chemicalforums.com/index.php?topic=22025.msg84244#msg84244

http://www.chemicalforums.com/index.php?topic=22703.msg86955#msg86955