Answer to Question #164755 in General Chemistry for John Lawrence

Question

Is it feasible to produce a buffer solution having a pH of 3.37 from a 0.1975 M HCl and 500.00mL of 0.300 M sodium mandelate? If yes, give the conditions required/ describe with accompanying computations the preparation of such buffer solution. If no, recommend possible combinations of acids and bases that will constitute a buffer solution of pH 3.37.

Answer 1

There are a couple of ways to prepare a buffer solution of a specific pH. In the first method, prepare a solution with an acid and its conjugate base by dissolving the acid form of the buffer in about 60% of the volume of water required to obtain the final solution volume. Then, measure the pH of the solution using a pH probe. The pH can be adjusted up to the desired value using a strong base like NaOH. If the buffer is made with a base and its conjugate acid, the pH can be adjusted using a strong acid like HCl. Once the pH is correct, dilute the solution to the final desired volume.