Solve 5pH Solution from Citric Acid (1L)

[vande060]

Homework Statement

how would you make a 5pH solution from citric acid(1L)

Homework Equations

pH= log(H+)

The Attempt at a Solution

So I will try to work backwards from the [H+]

antilog(-5) = 10^-5 M H+ needed

this number can be divided by 3, because citric acid is triprotic

3.33*10^-6 moles * 210.14 g/mol = 7*10^-4 g brought to volume with 1 liter

 

[Borek]

That would be way too simple. Citric acid is a weak one, with pKa values of 3.13, 4.76 and 6.40, so at pH 5.0 none of the protons is dissociated 100%. That means your assumption is faulty, and concentration you calculated - while not far from the correct answer - is too low.

To be honest, I can't think of a simple and accurate approach to solving the question on paper. It is not a problem using - although it requires some trial and error to get the correct concentration, as program calculates pH for a given concentration, but it doesn't work the other way around.

Are you sure the problem is about using citric acid and not about preparing citric buffer?