You are planning to carry out a reaction that produces hydroxide ion. For the reaction to take place at a constant pH, it will be buffered at pH = 4.2. Would it be better to use a formic acid/formate buffer or an acetic acid/acetate buffer? (Note: The pKa of formic acid = 3.75 and the pKa of acetic acid = 4.76.)

Chemistry & Chemical Reactivity
10th Edition
ISBN:9781337399074
Author:John C. Kotz, Paul M. Treichel, John Townsend, David Treichel
Publisher:John C. Kotz, Paul M. Treichel, John Townsend, David Treichel
Chapter16: Principles Of Chemical Reactivity: The Chemistry Of Acids And Bases
Section16.7: Calculations With Equilibrium Constants
Problem 16.5CYU: What are the equilibrium concentrations of acetic acid, the acetate ion, and H3O+ for a 0.10 M...
icon
Related questions
icon
Concept explainers
Question

You are planning to carry out a reaction that produces hydroxide ion. For the reaction to take place at a constant pH, it will be buffered at pH = 4.2. Would it be better to use a formic acid/formate buffer or an acetic acid/acetate buffer? (Note: The pKa of formic acid = 3.75 and the pKa of acetic acid = 4.76.)

Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Catalysis and Enzymatic Reactions
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, chemistry and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Chemistry & Chemical Reactivity
Chemistry & Chemical Reactivity
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781337399074
Author:
John C. Kotz, Paul M. Treichel, John Townsend, David Treichel
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Organic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305580350
Author:
William H. Brown, Brent L. Iverson, Eric Anslyn, Christopher S. Foote
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Chemistry: The Molecular Science
Chemistry: The Molecular Science
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781285199047
Author:
John W. Moore, Conrad L. Stanitski
Publisher:
Cengage Learning