Chapter 22, Problem 22.46P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The solubility of $\text{Cu}{\left(\text{OH}\right)}_{\text{2}}\left(\text{s}\right)$ and $Zn{\left(\text{OH}\right)}_{\text{2}}\left(\text{s}\right)$ in a solution buffered at $pH=4.00$ should be calculated and whether it is possible to separate these two compounds has to be identified.

Concept Introduction:

Solubility is defined as the maximum quantity of solute dissolved in a given amount of solvent to make a saturated solution at a particular temperature.

Molar solubility is the number of moles of a solute that can be dissolved in one liter of a solution. It is expressed as mol/L or M (molarity).

Consider a general reaction:

  ${\text{M}}_{\text{n}}{\text{X}}_{\text{m}}\text{(s)}\stackrel{}{\rightleftharpoons }\text{n}{\text{M}}^{\text{m+}}\text{(aq)+m}{\text{X}}^{\text{n+}}\text{(aq)}$

The relation between solubility product and molar solubility is as follows:

  ${\text{K}}_{\text{sp}}\text{=}{\left[{\text{M}}^{\text{m+}}\right]}^{\text{n}}{\left[{\text{X}}^{\text{n-}}\right]}^{\text{m}}$

Here

The solubility product of salt is ${\text{K}}_{\text{sp}}$.

The molar solubility of ${\text{M}}^{\text{m+}}$ ion is $\left[{\text{M}}^{\text{m+}}\right]$

The molar solubility of ${\text{X}}^{\text{n-}}$ ion is $\left[{\text{X}}^{\text{n-}}\right]$