Phosphate Buffer Concentration Calculation

AI Thread Summary
To prepare a 1M phosphate buffer at pH 7.8 with a pKa of 7.21, the calculation involves using the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation. The ratio of the base (Na2HPO4) to the conjugate acid (NaH2PO4) is determined to be approximately 3.89. The total concentration of the components must equal 1M, leading to a system of equations to solve for the individual concentrations. A participant in the discussion confirmed the approach but suggested checking the math for accuracy. The final concentrations calculated were approximately 0.7955M for NaH2PO4 and 0.2045M for Na2HPO4.
hianghao
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Homework Statement


To prepare 1M phosphate buffer pH7.8. pKa=7.21. How much molar of Na2HPO4 and NaH2PO4 to be added
I have no confidence in my answer... Can anyone pls have a check?

Homework Equations


pH=pKa+lg (base/conjugate acid)

The Attempt at a Solution


7.8=7.21 +lg (a/b)
0.59=lg (a/b)
a/b=3.89
a+b=1-----1
a=1-b -----2
(1-b)/b=3.89
b=0.2045 -Na2HPO4
a=0.7955 -NaH2PO4

Is my way of doing it correct? Did i forget to calculate other things that i must?
 
Last edited:
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Your approach is correct. But:

hianghao said:
a/b=3.89
a+b=1-----1

OK

(1-b)/b=1

Check your math.

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