The chemical system containing the simultaneous equilibria involves the precipitation of calcium oxalate in the presence of a weak diprotic acid, oxalic acid:
Ca2+(aq) + C2O42-(aq) ⇆ CaC2O4(s)
H2C2O4(aq) + H2O(l) ⇆ H3O+(aq) + HC2O4-(aq)
HC2O4-(aq) + H2O(l) ⇆ H3O+(aq) + C2O42-(aq))
Discuss how reactant concentrations change as equilibrium reactions shift to the left or the right. Likewise, discuss how product concentrations change as equilibrium reactions shift to the left and the right. Explain using your observations if you would prepare a calcium oxalate precipitate in acidic or basic solution.