Making Buffers Experiment

Abbie Eades Set 6

Contents: Experimental results/Calculations Procedure

Task 1 Buffer solution of 0.1moldm of ethanoic acid (pKa = 4.8) at pH=4.

To make a buffer solution at pH = 4, you must first calculate the mass of the conjugate base of ethanoic acid. (We debated what equation to use and firstly decided to try
working out the pH of the current state of the ethanoic acid: )

[H+] = (Ka x [0.1]) Ka=10(4.8) =0.001moldm^-3 pH = -log [0.001] = 2.9

After looking at the outcome we realised that this had no relevance to what we were trying to find out (since we already knew the solution was an acid so would have a pH of around 2.9 anyway), so suggested substituting the desired pH value into an equation.

pH = pKa + log([A-]/[HA]) (Conjugate base / Acid) 4 = 4.8 + log ([A-]/[0.1]) After substituting, we rearranged the equation to make 10(0.8) x 0.1 = [A-] [A-] the subject. [A-] = 0.0158moldm n=cxV n = 0.0158 x 0.025 =3.95x104 n = m/Mr m = n x Mr
Next we converted the concentration into mass; we did this by choosing a volume (25cm^3), without forgetting to convert it into dm^3.
Mr(C2H3NaO2) = 82 ((12.0 x 2) + (1.0 x 3) + (23.0) + (16.0 x 2)) = 82

m = 3.95x104 x 82 = 0.03g

We rearranged the moles equation to find the mass to add.

We then decided to test this out, by pouring in the 25cm of the ethanoic acid, then adding in 0.03g of the sodium ethanoate.
If using this for a practical/repeating the experiment, I would suggest using a larger amount of ethanoic acid, subsequently increasing the value of the sodium ethanoate, since 0.03g is slightly impractical to measure out.

It managed to work and gave a value of 3.98 (pH). Task 2 Buffer solution of 0.1moldm of ethanoic acid at pH = 5. After a successful attempt from the first task, we thought it was best to carry out the calculations for pH = 5 the same, as shown:
5 = 4.8 + log ([A-]/[HA]) 0.2 = log ([A-]/[HA]) 10(0.2) x 0.1 = [A-] [A -] = 0.158 moldm

 n=cxV = 0.158 x 0.025 - (Used the same volume) = 3.95x103 m = n x Mr m = 0.00395 x 82 (Used ethanoic acid again) =0.328g

We tested the pH of this amount and it came out at 4.98 (pH). One thing I found strange between both tasks, was that there seems to be a similarity in the results only with a x10 difference between the masses to make an increase of about 1 in pH (0.03g/0.3g) / (3.98pH/4.98pH).
Further investigation may be needed to determine whether this relationship is true.

Task 3 Buffer solution of carbon dioxide and sodium hydrogen carbonate of pH = 6. For this experiment we started by blowing carbon dioxide through a straw (from our breath) into a beaker full of distilled water (25cm).
We were unable to calculate a value of pH needed for the carbonic acid solution. Therefore, we attempted trial and error, by blowing into the straw for 20 seconds to lower the pH before adding the conjugate base. After a few attempts, we realised it would take too long to figure this out; once we had settled on an amount of sodium hydrogen carbonate to add each time (0.2g), we thought to try and reverse our previous calculations to find out what pH of the carbonic acid was needed. First of all, we found the moles of sodium hydrogen carbonate: n = m/M M(NaHCO3) = ((23.0) + (1.0) + (12.0) + (16.0 x 3)) = 84 n = 0.2/84 = 0.00238mol Then to find the concentration of the [A-]: c = n/V c = 0.00238/0.025 = 0.0952moldm - Converted the 25cm to 0.025dm We put it into this equation with our desired pH, then rearranged it to make [HA] the subject: [H+] = Ka x ([HA]/[A-]) [HA] = [A-] x [H+] / Ka [HA] = [0.0952] x [106] / 4.3x107 - [H+] = 10(pH) = 106 & Ka = text book value for the blood. [HA] = 0.221moldm Next, we found the [H+] concentration, to be able to convert into pH: [H+] = (Ka x [HA]) [H+] = (4.3x107 x 0.221) [H+] = 0.0003 pH = -log(0.0003) pH = 3.52

This is the pH that we calculated, so theoretically when blowing through the straw in the beaker of water, we would have needed to reach a pH of 3.52 so when 0.2g of sodium hydrogen carbonate was added it would equal a pH of 6. Unfortunately, we

ran out of time and could not test this. Procedure Equipment required
Note 0.1moldm3 of ethanoic acid (pKa =4.8) Solid sodium ethanoate Solid sodium hydrogen carbonate 4 beakers Distilled water A straw A plastic/glass rod p.H metre

Must wear appropriate clothing (e.g. sensible shoes) Lab coat and safety goggles must be worn Long hair tied back Please be aware ethanoic acid is corrosive and flammable - can cause irritation/severe burns if contaminated with this substance, wash the affected area immediately with plenty of soap and water. If irritation persists seek medical attention. Take care not to ingest any of the chemicals if so seek immediate medical attention.

Task 1 & 2 Buffer solution of 0.1moldm3 of ethanoic acid (pKa 4.8) at p.H = 4 & p.H = 5. p.H 4
Pour 25cm of ethanoic acid into an empty beaker. Measure out 0.03g of sodium ethanoate. Then add this to the ethanoic acid in the beaker. Stir thoroughly with a glass rod. Test with a p.H probe to check make sure to rinse the probe with distilled water before and after use to avoid cross contamination. If a larger volume is desired, scale according to the ratio 25:0.03. For example, for 100cm of ethanoic acid, measure out (0.03x4= 0.12g) of sodium ethanoate. 1) 2) 3) 4) 5)

p.H 5
Pour 25cm of ethanoic acid into an empty beaker. Measure out 0.3g of sodium ethanoate. Then add this to the ethanoic acid in the beaker. Stir thoroughly with a glass rod. Test with a p.H probe to check make sure to rinse the probe with distilled water before and after use to avoid cross contamination. If a larger volume is desired, scale according to the ratio 25:0.3. For example, for 100cm of ethanoic acid, measure out (0.3x4= 1.2g) of sodium ethanoate. 1) 2) 3) 4) 5)

Task 3 Buffer solution of carbon dioxide and sodium hydrogen carbonate a p.H = 6.
1) Pour 25cm of distilled water into an empty beaker. 2) Using a straw blow into the water and use a p.H probe to test this until you reach 3.52 p.H. (Make sure the probe is rinsed before and after use with distilled water to avoid cross contamination.) 3) Measure out 0.2g of sodium hydrogen carbonate. 4) Add this in to the beaker. 5) Stir thoroughly with a glass rod. 6) Test with a p.H probe to check make sure to rinse the probe again before and after. If a larger volume is desire, scale accordingly to the ratio 25:0.2. For example, for 100cm of distilled water, measure out (0.2x4 = 0.8g) of sodium hydrogen carbonate.
(Please note: due to the instruction of this procedure, no chemicals should be present when blowing through the straw. However, if required to do so, take care not to ingest any chemicals.)