Deriving the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the derivation of the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation, which relates pH, pKa, and the ratio of conjugate base to acid concentrations. Key equations discussed include the acid dissociation constant (Ka) and its logarithmic transformations leading to the pH equation: pH = pKa + log10([conjugate base]/[acid]). Participants clarified the definitions of pH and pKa, and emphasized the importance of understanding conjugate acids and bases, as well as the correct application of logarithmic properties in the derivation process.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of acid-base chemistry, specifically the concepts of conjugate acids and bases.
  • Familiarity with the definitions of pH and pKa.
  • Knowledge of logarithmic functions and their properties.
  • Basic grasp of equilibrium constants, particularly the acid dissociation constant (Ka).
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation in detail.
  • Learn about the properties and applications of the acid dissociation constant (Ka).
  • Explore the concept of conjugate acid-base pairs with specific examples.
  • Investigate the significance of logarithmic transformations in chemical equations.
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, educators, and professionals in the fields of biochemistry and pharmacology who require a solid understanding of acid-base equilibria and the application of the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation in practical scenarios.

Huzaifa
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Im not able to understand the derivation equations and all please.
$$
\begin{aligned}
\mathrm{HA}+& \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O} \rightleftharpoons \mathrm{A}^{-}+\mathrm{H}_{3} \mathrm{O}^{+} \\
K_{\mathrm{a}} &=\frac{\left[\mathrm{A}^{-}\right]\left[\mathrm{H}_{3} \mathrm{O}^{+}\right]}{[\mathrm{HA}]} \\
K_{\mathrm{a}} &=\left[\mathrm{H}_{3} \mathrm{O}^{+}\right] \times \frac{\left[\mathrm{A}^{-}\right]}{[\mathrm{HA}]} \\
K_{\mathrm{a}} &=\left[\mathrm{H}_{3} \mathrm{O}^{+}\right] \times \frac{[\text { conjugate base }]}{[\text { acid }]} \\
-\log _{10} \mathrm{~K}_{\mathrm{a}} &=-\log _{10}\left[\mathrm{H}_{3} \mathrm{O}^{+}\right]-\text {log }_{10} \frac{[\text { conjugate base }]}{[\text { acid }]} \\
\mathrm{pK}_{\mathrm{a}} &=\mathrm{pH}-\log _{10} \frac{[\text { conjugate base }]}{[\text { acid }]} \\
\mathrm{pH} &=\mathrm{pK}_{\mathrm{a}}+\log _{10} \frac{[\text { conjugate base }]}{[\text { acid }]}
\end{aligned}
$$
 
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Which steps are you having trouble with? Are you familiar with the definitions of ##K_a## and ##\text{pH}##?
 
TeethWhitener said:
Which steps are you having trouble with? Are you familiar with the definitions of ##K_a## and ##\text{pH}##?
I think I know those definitions, I am having trouble with conjugate acid base thing and the positive and negative signs.
 
Can you write out the definitions of ##\text{pH}## and ##\text{pK}_\text{a}##? Can you tell me what a conjugate acid or base is? For example, if I give you ##HCl## as an acid, can you tell me its conjugate base?
 
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A = Anion

HA —> H+ + A-

Ionic compound —> Cation + Anion
 
You are missing a line in your set of equations
simplest example I can think of:
28 = 4 x 7
so log 28 = log4 + log7 <=== this is the equivalent missing line
so -log28 = -log4 - log7 - changing the signs on each side for each part of the equation

Your text is the equivalent of going straight from 28 = 4x7 to -log28 = -log4 - log7, so there are two changes on a single line which always leads to confusion, yet mathematicians seem to do this all the time to save writing lots of lines that other experts can instantly see are obvious

The switch to logs is because for weak acids (there are only four or six strong acids - where acids means forms H+ ions) we end up dealing with numbers like 2.309 x (10 to power of -5) ( which can be written as 2.309e-5 or in normal life as 0.00002309)
But with logs we get a simple number -4.63657606708
And then for some reason which I can't remember just now, we use negative logs for the pKa (and for pH)
This gives us 4.63657606708, which we then normally only write to one or two decimal places
ie the pKa = 4.6 or pKa = 4.63

Does this help a bit?
 
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DrJohn said:
You are missing a line in your set of equations
simplest example I can think of:
28 = 4 x 7
so log 28 = log4 + log7 <=== this is the equivalent missing line
so -log28 = -log4 - log7 - changing the signs on each side for each part of the equation

Your text is the equivalent of going straight from 28 = 4x7 to -log28 = -log4 - log7, so there are two changes on a single line which always leads to confusion, yet mathematicians seem to do this all the time to save writing lots of lines that other experts can instantly see are obvious

The switch to logs is because for weak acids (there are only four or six strong acids - where acids means forms H+ ions) we end up dealing with numbers like 2.309 x (10 to power of -5) ( which can be written as 2.309e-5 or in normal life as 0.00002309)
But with logs we get a simple number -4.63657606708
And then for some reason which I can't remember just now, we use negative logs for the pKa (and for pH)
This gives us 4.63657606708, which we then normally only write to one or two decimal places
ie the pKa = 4.6 or pKa = 4.63

Does this help a bit?
Yes sir, It was helpful!
 

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