Chemistry Forum

I was able to find the balanced equation, but I would like to see how it was actually done. I tried but I kept getting different numbers.

Please can someone show me how I can balance this.
C₆H₈O₇ + NaHCO₃ -> Na₃C₆H₅O₇ + CO₂ +H₂₀

Thank you in advance.

You exchange 3 hydrogen to sodium.

C₆H₈O₇ will be Na₃C₆H₅O₇

The sodium comes from NaHCO₃

So you need 3 of it.


C₆H₈O₇ + 3 NaHCO₃ => Na₃C₆H₅O₇ + 3 H₂CO₃

The carbonic acid decompose H₂CO₃ => H₂O + CO₂

Finally
C₆H₈O₇ + 3 NaHCO₃ => Na₃C₆H₅O₇ + 3 H₂O + 3 CO₂

Thank you for taking the time to answer my question. It is greatly appreciated!