EXPERIMENT 1: PREPARATION OF BUFFER SOLUTIONS 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Bil. Title Page

1 Summary 2
2 Pictorial Methodology 3
3 Results 5
4 Discussions 6
5 Tutorial 8
6 Calculations 11
7 Conclusions 15
8 References 16
 EXPERIMENT 1: PREPARATION OF BUFFER SOLUTIONS 2

1.0 SUMMARY

In this experiment, the objective is to prepare buffer solutions and test the effects of
added acid or base upon the pH. It is also to review acid-base chemistry and calculation. The
experiment is started by preparing the buffer solutions citric acid and sodium citrate. Weight out
each substances (3.560g of citric acid and 9.255g of sodium citrate) and add distilled water to
make a buffer solution. Then, determine the pH of the solution using the pH electrode. The pH
value calculated is 5.00 compared with the experiment, the pH value obtained by the pH
electrode is 4.96. This slight different occur may come from several error that happened while
handling the solution or while conducted the pH electrode. As conclusions, buffer solutions are
solutions that resist change in hydronium ion and the hydroxide ion concentration upon addition
of small amounts of either acid or base, or upon dilution.
 EXPERIMENT 1: PREPARATION OF BUFFER SOLUTIONS 3

2.0 PICTORIAL METHODOLOGY

2.1 Preparation of buffer solution

2.1.1 Solid citric acid and sodium acetate have been mixed together to form a solution.
Then the solution has been stirred using mechanical stirrer.

2.1.2 500 mL of a 0.1 buffer solution with a pH of 5.0 using citric acid, C6H8O7 and sodium
acetate, NaC2H3O2 were prepared. The mixed solution of citric acid and sodium
acetate then dilute with distilled water in the volumetric flask.
 EXPERIMENT 1: PREPARATION OF BUFFER SOLUTIONS 4

2.2 Testing of Buffer Solution

2.2.1 The buffer solution was added into 100ml beaker and the pH was measured using the
pH electrode.
2.2.2 50ml deionized water was added into two different beakers and the pH was measured.
The first beaker was added with 1.0 ml of 1M HCL and the second beaker was added
with 1.0 ml of 1M NaOH. The pH of each solution was measured.
2.2.3 The above steps was repeated but by using buffer solution instead of deionized water.
The pH of each solution was measured.
 EXPERIMENT 1: PREPARATION OF BUFFER SOLUTIONS 5

3.0 RESULT

Solution pH
Initial After adding HCl After adding NaOH
Deionised water 5.76 2.32 12.09

Buffer 4.96 4.84 5.06

 EXPERIMENT 1: PREPARATION OF BUFFER SOLUTIONS 6

4.0 DISCUSSION

The pH value of the deionised water was easily influenced by the present of atmosphere
CO2. Theoretically, the pH value of deionised water is 5.5. The pH value might change if the
deionised water was left exposed to the atmosphere and this will cause the change in pH value
which will rise up to 7.00. Based on the experiment, the initial pH value for the deionised water
obtained was 5.76. This shows that the deionised water has been well preserved.

When the strong acid, HCl was added into the deionised water, the pH value obtained is
2.32 which mean the deionised water has turn into acid. The same phenomenon occurs while
strong base, NaOH was added into the deionised water. The pH value obtained is 12.09. The
result can be obviously seen, as the deionised water was turned into acid and base as the strong
acid and strong base was added respectively.

The Buffer solution was prepared by mixing the buffer agent’s form (HA) which is citrate
acid with its conjugate base (A-) which is sodium citrate. The pH value calculated is 5.00
compared with the experiment, the pH value obtained by the pH electrode is 4.96. This slight
different occur may come from several error that happened while handling the solution or while
conducted the pH electrode.

As HCl was added into the Buffer solution, the pH value changed from 4.96 to 4.84. It
shows that the difference occur is quite small which is only 0.12. At the same time while NaOH
was added, the pH value changed from 4.96 to 5.06. The buffer solution is still resist the pH
value from change, as the difference is only 0.1. Although the pH value of Buffer solution
obtained is different from the calculated, the activity of the Buffer solution is still can obviously
be seen. The change of pH value is only in the range of 0.1-0.12.

The error occurred gives a slight different as the calculated. The prepared Buffer solution
may have a little contamination causing the pH value to become 4.96 (which is supposed to be
5.00). Second possible error may occur while handling the Buffer solution with the pH electrode.
The data was taken before it is stable or the pH electrode itself was not well cleaned. Another
error might happened was during the chemical was taken. The chemical taken might not be
precise as desired (parallax error).
 EXPERIMENT 1: PREPARATION OF BUFFER SOLUTIONS 7

As the recommendation, before using any apparatus, it is necessary to clean it up first.

This is to ensure that the apparatus is free contamination. The cleaning processes have to take
charge while handling the pH electrode as well. This is a must in order to obtain a desirable pH
value. As for the deionised water, try not to leave it exposed to the air in a long period of time.
 EXPERIMENT 1: PREPARATION OF BUFFER SOLUTIONS 8

5.0 TUTORIAL

1. Describe how you would prepare a (CH3CO2H / CH3CO2-) buffer with a pH of 5.2 given that
the pKa (CH3CO2H / CH3CO2-) is 4.76.

-Find the mole ratio of CH3CO2H / CH3CO2- using Henderson-Hasselbalch equation. The
calculation as follows:

Henderson-Hasselbalch equation:

[CH3CO2- ]
pH=pKa + log
[ CH3CO2H]

Rearrange the equation:

[CH3CO2- ]
log =pH-pKa (1)
[ CH3CO2H]

Given the pKa and pH for citric acid:

pKa= 4.76 (2)

pH = 5.2 (3)

Substitute (2) and (3) into (1)

[CH3CO2- ]
log = 5.2 - 4.76
[ CH3CO2H]
[CH3CO2- ]
log = 0.44 (4)
[ CH3CO2H]

Antilog equation (4)

[CH3CO2- ]
= 100.44
[ CH3CO2H]

[CH3CO2- ]
= 2.754
[ CH3CO2H]

So the mole ratio of citric acid to citrate ion is

[CH3CO2- ]
= 2.754 (5)
[ CH3CO2H]
 EXPERIMENT 1: PREPARATION OF BUFFER SOLUTIONS 9

Given:

n= MV V= 500 ml = 0.5 L (6)

n
=M (7), then Expand equation (7) into
V
nCH3CO2- +n CH3CO2H
=M (8)
V

Rearrange equation (5)

nCH3CO2- = 2.754n CH3CO2H (9)

Substititute (9) into (8)

nCH3CO2- +n CH3CO2H mol
= 0.1 (10)
0.5L L

Solve equation (10)

3.754n CH3CO2H = 0.5 mol

0.5 mol
n CH3CO2H =
3.754
n CH3CO2H = 0.1332 mol

Using equation (9) to solve no of mole sodium citrate

nCH3CO2- = 2.754n CH3CO2H

nCH3CO2- = 2.754 (0.1332 mol)

nCH3CO2- = 0.3668 mol

Molar mass for CH3CO2H = 60.05 g/mol

Molar mass for CH3CO2- = 82.03 g/mol

Mass of citric acid = 0.1332 mol x 60.05 g/mol = 7.999g

Mass of sodium citrate = 0.3668 mol x 82.03 g/mol = 30.089 g

- Weight both of the citric acid and sodium acetate and put it inside the 500 ml volumetric flask.

-Then add distilled water into the volumetric flask till neck of flask. Dissolve the acid and salt.

- Add the distilled water till calibration mark.

 EXPERIMENT 1: PREPARATION OF BUFFER SOLUTIONS 10

2. What is buffer capacity? What determines the capacity of a buffer?

Buffer capacity is the ability of buffer solution to resist pH changes. Buffer capacity increases as
the molar concentration of acid or salt increases. The buffer capacity also increases as the pH is
closer to pKa. The buffer capacity is expressed as the molar concentration of sodium hydroxide
required to increase the pH by 1.
 EXPERIMENT 1: PREPARATION OF BUFFER SOLUTIONS 11

6.0 CALCULATIONS

1. Calculation for 500 ml of 0.1M of buffer solution with pH 5

Calculation of buffer solution can be done by using Henderson-Hasselbalch equation to deter

mine the mole ratio of the citric ion and citrate ion. The calculation as follows:

Henderson-Hasselbalch equation:

[A- ]
pH=pKa + log
HA
rearrange the equation:

[A- ]
log =pH-pKa (1)
HA

Given the pKa and pH for citric acid:

pKa= 4.77 (2)

pH = 5 (3)

Substitute (2) and (3) into (1)

[A- ]
log = 5-4.77
HA
[A- ]
log = 0.23 (4)
HA

Antilog equation (4)

[A- ]
= 100.23
HA
[A- ]
= 1.698
HA
So the mole ratio of citric acid to citrate ion is

[A- ]
= 1.698 (5)
HA

Given:

n= MV (6)

V= 500 ml = 0.5 L
 EXPERIMENT 1: PREPARATION OF BUFFER SOLUTIONS 12

n
=M (7)
V

Expand equation (7) into

nA− +nHA
=M (8)
V

Rearrange equation (5)

nA− = 1.698 nHA (9)

Substititute (9) into (8)

1.698 nHA +nHA mol
= 0.1 (10)
0.5L L

Solve equation (10)

2.698 nHA = 0.5 mol

0.5 mol
nHA =
2.698
nHA = 0.01853 mol

Using equation (9) to solve no of mole sodium citrate

nA− = 1.698 (0.01853)

nA− = 0.03147 mol

Molar mass for citric acid = 192.13 g/mol

Molar mass for sodium citrate = 294.1 g/mol

Mass of citric acid = 0.01853 mol x 192.13 g/mol

*Mass of citric acid = 3.560 g

Mass of sodium citrate = 0.03147 mol x 294.1 g/mol

*Mass of sodium citrate = 9.255 g

 EXPERIMENT 1: PREPARATION OF BUFFER SOLUTIONS 13

2. For pH of buffer after adding acid

The equation of ionization of citric acid:

C6 H8 O7 ↔C6 H5 O7 - +3 H +

[C6 H8 O7 ]
[H + ] = K a
[C6 H5 O7 - ]

“ICE” chart: Assume all acid consume.

Mol C6H8O7 H+ C6H5O7-

Initial 0.01853 mol 0.001 L(1 M) = 0.001 0.03147 mol
mol
3 x 0.001 mol=0.003
Change +0.003mol -0.003 mol -0.003 mol
Equilibrium 0.02153 mol x 0.02847 mol

Find Ka

Ka = 10-4.77 =1.698 x 10−5

0.02153
[H + ]=(1.698 x 10-5 )
0.02847

[H + ]=1.284 × 10-5

Convert to pH

pH= -log10 [H + ]

pH= -log10 (1.284 × 10-5 )

pH= 4.90

(Refer to
http://www.chem.purdue.edu/gchelp/howtosolveit/Equilibrium/Buffers.htm#Bufferaddacid)
 EXPERIMENT 1: PREPARATION OF BUFFER SOLUTIONS 14

3. For pH of buffer after adding base

Ionization equation of sodium citrate:

C6 H8 O7 →H2 0+C6 H5 O7 -

Assume all base is consumed.

Mol C6H8O7 OH- C6H5O7-

Initial 0.01853 mol 0.001 L(1 M) = 0.001 0.03147 mol
mol
Change +0.001mol -0.001 mol +0.001 mol
Equilibrium 0.01953 mol 0 0.03247 mol

C6 H8 O7 ↔C6 H5 O7 - +3 H +

C6H8O7 H+ C6H5O7-
Initial 0.01853 0 0.03147
Change -x +x -x
Equilibrium 0.01953-x x 0.03247-x

0.01953-x
x=(1.698 x 10-5 )
0.03247-x

x=1.021x 10-5

pH= -log10 (1.021x 10-5 )

pH= 4.99
 EXPERIMENT 1: PREPARATION OF BUFFER SOLUTIONS 15

7.0 CONCLUSIONS

As for the conclusions, buffer solutions are solutions that resist change in hydronium ion
and the hydroxide ion concentration (and consequently pH) upon addition of small amounts
of either acid or base, or upon dilution. A buffer is a mixture of a weak acid and its
conjugate base. Because the solute can either absorb protons or release protons, the buffer
solution can maintain the pH at a constant value.

From the results obtained, it can be concluded that the initial pH value for the deionised
water obtained was 5.76. This shows that the deionised water has been well preserved.When the
strong acid, HCl was added into the deionised water, the pH value obtained is 2.32 which mean
the deionised water has turn into acid. The same phenomenon occurs while strong base, NaOH
was added into the deionised water. The pH value obtained is 12.09. The result can be obviously
seen, as the deionised water was turned into acid and base as the strong acid and strong base was
added respectively.

As HCl was added into the Buffer solution, the pH value changed from 4.96 to 4.84. It
shows that the difference occur is quite small which is only 0.12. At the same time while NaOH
was added, the pH value changed from 4.96 to 5.06. The buffer solution is still resist the pH
value from change, as the difference is only 0.1. Although the pH value of Buffer solution
obtained is different from the calculated, the activity of the Buffer solution is still can obviously
be seen. The change of pH value is only in the range of 0.1-0.12.

Due to some errors that occur, the experimental data values obtained are opposed to the
theoretical value. Therefore, some recommendations have been made so that the errors can be
overcome. Lastly, the two main objectives of this experiment are fully achieved.
 EXPERIMENT 1: PREPARATION OF BUFFER SOLUTIONS 16

8.0 REFERENCES

1. (Deionized Water With Acid and Base [online] Available from

http://www.finishing.com/2400-2599/2576.shtml [31st August 2012])

2. (Buffer Solutions [online] Available from

http://chemed.chem.wisc.edu/chempaths/GenChem-Textbook/Buffer-solutios-620.html
[31st August 2012])

3. (Buffer Solutions [online] Available

fromhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buffer_solution[31st August 2012])

4. (Buffer Solutions [online] Available from

www.chemguide.co.uk/physical/acidbaseeqia/buffers.html[31st August 2012])

5. (Preparation of pH Buffer Solutions [online] Available from

http://delloyd.50megs.com/moreinfo/buffers2.html [31st August 2012])