CHEM 301 Analytical Chemistry

Unit 5
Acids and Bases:
Buffer Systems
pH and Buffers
CHEM 301 Analytical Chemistry

Buffers
systems that resist drastic change in pH after
addition of H+ or OH-
from weak acid and salt of its conjugate base;
or
from weak base and salt of its conjugate acid

acetate buffer: CH3COOH/NaCH3COO

bicarbonate buffer: H2CO3/NaHCO3

carbonate buffer: NaHCO3/Na2CO3

ammonium buffer: NH3/NH4Cl

CHEM 301 Analytical Chemistry

pH and Buffers
Henderson-Hasselbach equation:
[conjugate base]
pH = pKa + log [acid]
CHEM 301 Analytical Chemistry

pH and Buffers
Example:
Calculate the pH of a buffer solution that contains
0.10 M acetic acid and 0.15 M sodium acetate.

Ka = 1.8 x 10-5
CHEM 301 Analytical Chemistry

pH and Buffers
Example:
Calculate the pH of a buffer solution prepared by mixing
250 mL of 0.45 M NaH2PO4 and 450 mL of 0.35 M Na2HPO4.
Ka = 6.2 x 10-8
CHEM 301 Analytical Chemistry

pH and Buffers
Example:
Calculate the pH of a buffer solution prepared by mixing
250 mL of 0.45 M NaH2PO4 and 450 mL of 0.35 M Na2HPO4.
Ka = 6.2 x 10-8

Calculate the pH of the buffer solution after addition of

10 mL of 0.10 M HCl.
CHEM 301 Analytical Chemistry

pH and Buffers
Example:
Calculate the pH of a buffer solution prepared by
mixing 350 mL of 1.0 M H2C2O4 and 550 mL of 0.75 M
NaHC2O4.
Ka = 5.4 x 10-2