Chemistry: An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry (12th Edition)

Published by Prentice Hall
ISBN 10: 0321908449
ISBN 13: 978-0-32190-844-5

Chapter 10 - Section 10.7 - Buffers - Additional Questions and Problems - Page 357: 10.81b

Answer

$H_3{PO_4}(aq) + OH^-(aq) \longrightarrow H_2P{O_4}^-(aq) + H_2O(l)$

Work Step by Step

The added base will produce hydroxide ions, which would increase the basicity of the solution, but the buffer will react with these ions to neutralize it. To neutralize this basicity $(OH^-)$, we need an acid. So, $H_3P{O_4}$ is the other reactant, because it is the acid of the buffer. $H_3{PO_4}(aq) + OH^-(aq) \longrightarrow$ Since this is an acid-base reaction, $H_3PO_4$ will donate one proton to $OH^-$, producing $H_2P{O_4}^-$ and $H_2O$. $H_3{PO_4}(aq) + OH^-(aq) \longrightarrow H_2P{O_4}^-(aq) + H_2O(l)$
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