[ceespunk]

We completed a lab in organic chemistry as follows:
Maleic anhydride in water with heat
Powder zinc added until most was dissolved
Finally HCL was added with additional heat.

We did a titration of NaOH and with that calculation I think we formed Succinic acid.

I have tried to figure out the balanced equation but I am not sure if the zinc plays an active role or is a catalyst.  Also I am unsure if h20 is the major player in the equation or if the protonation with HCl is also.
C4H2O3 + h20 = C4H6O4   (missing parts I know)
Zn + 2HCl = H2 + ZnCl2 also given as info in lab book but not sure how I combine the two.

Hmmm.... any help would greatly appreciated

So Maleic anhydride + H20 = Maleic Acid + Zn/HCl = Succinic acid
does the zn just act as a catalyst and the HCl protonates it?


Nevermind...got it

C4H2O3 +H2O + Zn +2 HCl = C4H6O4 + ZnCl2