Dr. Thompson Click here for the exam.
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During the geometric isomerization experiment one student recovered more maleic acid than fumaric acid yet another student recovered more fumaric than maleic. If you do a real careful recrystalization you will get more maleic out of this water solution. Remember that the water solution which contains uncrystalized maleic is what is converted to fumaric. Thus the relative ratio of these two compounds is dependent on how much maleic acid you crystalize out. Draw the intermediate formed in the above reaction that allows for the observed isomerization.