A buffer is prepared by mixing hypochlorous acid (HClO) and sodium hypochlorite (NaClO). If a strong base, such as NaOH, is added to this buffer, which buffer component neutralizes the additional hydroxide ions (OH?)? ClO? HClO Write a balanced chemical equation for the reaction of the selected buffer component and the hydroxide ion (OH?). Do not include physical states. chemical equation
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
In the buffer solution prepared by mixing hypochlorous acid (HClO) and sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), the component that neutralizes additional hydroxide ions (OH-) when a strong base like NaOH is added is HClO (hypochlorous acid).
Why HClO Neutralizes OH-:
A buffer works by maintaining the pH of the solution when small amounts of acid or base are added. The key mechanism relies on the presence of a weak acid and its conjugate base in equilibrium. In this case, HClO is a weak acid and NaClO is its conjugate base. When NaOH is added, the hydroxide ions (OH-) from NaOH will be neutralized by HClO, the weak acid, because acids donate protons (H+), which will combine with OH- to form water.
Balanced Chemical Equation:
The neutralization of hydroxide ions by HClO can be represented by the following balanced chemical equation:HClO+OH−→ClO−+H2OHClO + OH- \rightarrow ClO- + H2OHClO+OH−→ClO−+H2O
Here, HClO (hypochlorous acid) donates a proton (H+) to neutralize the hydroxide ion (OH-), forming the conjugate base, ClO- (hypochlorite ion), and water (H2O).
Explanation:
- When NaOH is added to the buffer, it dissociates into Na+ and OH- ions. The hydroxide ions from NaOH will react with the weak acid, HClO, to form the conjugate base, ClO-, and water.
- This reaction helps to prevent a drastic increase in pH because the addition of hydroxide ions (OH-) would otherwise make the solution more basic. However, because HClO reacts with the OH-, the pH remains relatively stable.
- The buffer capacity is a result of the equilibrium between HClO and ClO- in solution, which can shift depending on the amounts of acid and base added.
In summary, the weak acid component, HClO, is responsible for neutralizing excess OH- when a strong base is introduced into the buffer solution.
