Solve: Calculating the Equivalent Weight of an Unknown Substance
An unknown organic carboxylic acid, mp = 139-141 degrees Celsius, is burned with a yellow, sooty flame. The sodium fusion test showed that nitrogen was present. It did not react with p-toluenesulfonyl chloride, but did give a positive test when treated with 5% aqueous ferrous ammonium sulfate solution, acidified with 3 N H2SO4, and then followed by methanolic KOH solution. A 200 mg sample of the acid neutralized 12.4 mL of 0.098 N sodium hydroxide solution. Identify the acid. Does your structure agree with the calculated equivalent weight?