Answer to Question #90154 in General Chemistry for Karla Carreras

Question

review the equilibrium equations :
Hb(aq)+O2(aq)>HbO2(aq) Kc=1.8
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Hb(aq)+CO(aq)> HbCO(aq) Kc=306
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If equal concentrations of oxygen and carbon monoxide are present , which is favored and by how much? (Hint: divide Kco by Ko2)

Answer 1

The greater the equilibrium constant for the reaction, the more this process favorable. In our case, the equilibrium constant for coupling of hemoglobin with CO is much bigger than the constant for coupling with oxygen. This means that in case we have equal concentrations of oxygen and CO, there will be 306/1.8=170 times more HbCO then HbO₂.

Answer: reaction of hemoglobin with CO is 170 times more favorable, than the reaction of hemoglobin with O₂.