Question

You wish to construct a buffer of pH=7.0. Which of the following weak acids (w/ corresponding conjugate base) would you select?

Answer 1

Answer:

C.) HOCl Ka=3.5x10^-8

Explanation:

In order to a construct a buffer of pH= 7.0 we need to find the pKa values of all the acids given below

we Know that

pKa= -log(Ka)

therefore

A) pKa of  HClO2 = -log(1.2 x 10^-2)

=1.9208

B) similarly PKa of HF= -log(7.2 x 1 0^-4)= 2.7644

C)  pKa of HOCl= -log(3.5 x 1 0^-8)= 7.45

D) pKa of HCN = -log(4 x 1 0^-10)=  9.3979

If we consider the  Henderson- Hasselbalch equation for the calculation of the pH of the buffer solution

The weak acid for making the buffer must have a pKa value near to the desired pH of the weak acid.

So, near to value, pH=7.0. , the only option is HOCl whose pKa value is 7.45.

Hence, HOCl will be chosen for buffer construction.