Question

What is the pH at the equivalence point in the titration of a 25.7 mL sample of a 0.370 M aqueous nitrous acid solution with a 0.491 M aqueous potassium hydroxide solution? pH =

Answer 1

Answer:

pH = 8.24

Explanation:

Nitrous acid (HNO₂) reacts with KOH, thus:

HNO₂ + KOH → KNO₂ + H₂O

Moles of HNO₂ are:

0.0257mL ₓ (0.370mol / L) = 0.00951moles.

In equivalence point, the complete moles of nitrous acid reacts with KOH producing potassium nitrite. There are needed:

0.00951mol ₓ (1L / 0.491mol) = 0.01937L ≡ 19.4mL of 0.491M KOH to reach equivalence point.

Total volume in equivalence point is: 19.4mL + 25.7mL = 45.1mL

Potassium nitrite is in equilibrium with water, thus:

NO₂⁻ + H₂O ⇄ HNO₂ + OH⁻

Where equilibrium constant, Kb, is defined as:

Kb = 1.41x10⁻¹¹ = $\frac{[OH^-][HNO_2]}{[NO_2]}$

In equilibrium, molarity of each compound are:

[NO₂⁻]: 0.00951mol/0.00451L - X = 0.211M - X

[HNO₂]: X

[OH⁻]: X

Where X is reaction coordinate

Replacing in Kb:

1.41x10⁻¹¹ = $\frac{[X][X]}{[0.211 -X]}$

0 = X² + 1.41x10⁻¹¹X - 2.97x10⁻¹²

Solving for X:

X = -1.72x10⁻⁶ FALSE ANSWER. There is no negative concentrations.

X = 1.72x10⁻⁶. Right answer.

That means:

[OH⁻]: 1.72x10⁻⁶M

As pOH is -log [OH⁻] and pH = 14-pOH:

pOH = 5.76; pH = 8.24