give a precipitate of fumaric acid? Explain your reasoning.
2. The Background mentions that maleic acid can be converted to maleic anhydride by strong heating. The
reverse is true as well, and adding water to maleic anhydride forms maleic acid. The rate of this reaction
maleic acid is greatly increased by adding a small amount of a strong acid as a catalyst. Which, if any, of
these acids would be effective catalysts for preparing (and isolating) maleic acid: HCl, HBr, HI, $H_2SO_4$? Why
are the other choices unsuitable for preparing maleic acid from maleic anhydride? You can assume that the
anhydride does not undergo halogenation.