Moles of NaOH to Create Buffer Solution pH=6 in 0.42M Ethanoic Acid

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the moles of NaOH required to create a buffer solution with a pH of 6 using a 0.42 M solution of ethanoic acid. It includes theoretical considerations, application of the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation, and the implications of adding NaOH to the solution.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant calculates the moles of ethanoic acid in 100 mL of a 0.42 M solution as 0.042 mol and attempts to determine the moles of NaOH needed using the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation.
  • Another participant challenges the initial assumption that NaOH is the base in the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation, prompting a discussion about the role of NaOH and the resulting ethanoate ions in the buffer system.
  • Further clarification is sought regarding how to separate the contributions of ethanoate ions and NaOH in the calculations for the buffer solution.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of understanding that a buffer consists of an acid and its conjugate base, questioning the feasibility of having both acetic acid and NaOH in the solution simultaneously.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the role of NaOH in the buffer system and the correct interpretation of the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation. The discussion remains unresolved as participants explore different aspects of the buffer definition and its components.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the assumptions made regarding the buffer components and the calculations involving concentrations, particularly in how the addition of NaOH affects the overall solution.

stunner5000pt
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Homework Statement
You need to make an acetate buffer with a bottle of 0.42 M of ethanoic acid and a bottle of 0.15 M of NaOH. The pKa of ethanoic acid is 4.76
a. how many moles of ethanoic acid are there in 100 mL of the 0.42 M solution
b. how many moles of NaOH must be added to the 100 mL 0.42 M ethanoic acid solution to create a buffer solution of ph = 6
c. what volume of NaOH should be added in mL to reach this pH
Relevant Equations
Henderson Hasselbach equation
the first and second seem easy...

a. how many moles of ethanoic acid are there in 100 mL of the 0.42 M solution
n = CV = (0.42 M)(0.1 L) = 0.042 mol

b. how many moles of NaOH must be added to the 100 mL 0.42 M ethanoic acid solution to create a buffer solution of ph = 6
this is where the Henderson Hasselbach comes in

pH = pK_{a} +\log \frac{[base]}{[acid]}
6 = 4.76 + \log \frac{[base]}{0.42}
1.24 = \log \frac{[base]}{0.42}
10^{1.24} \times 0.42 = [base]
[base] = 3.32 M
n(moles of NaOH) = 3.32M x 0.1 = 0.332 mol

c. what volume of NaOH should be added in mL to reach this pH

i know that I cannot use C1V2 = C2V2 because the amount of solution that we add would dilute the final concentration
How does one keep the concentration the same as the target 3.32 in question (b)?

Your guidance & help is always appreciated!

Thank you
 
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Nope. NaOH is not the [base] in the HH equation.

What happens when you add NaOH to the solution of the acetic acid?
 
Borek said:
Nope. NaOH is not the [base] in the HH equation.

What happens when you add NaOH to the solution of the acetic acid?
ahh... so the [base] is composed of ethanoate ions & NaOH?
But how do we separate these two from the calculation?
 
Nope again.

Can you have both acetic acid and NaOH in the solution?

Looks like you are missing an important part of the buffer definition - it is an acid and its _conjugate_ base.
 
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