Digitally signed by Jason Raquin Roque DN: cn=Jason Raquin Roque, o, ou, email=jason_mike15@yahoo.com, c=PH Date: 2012.05.

15 14:25:40 +08'00'

Determination of the Acid Dissociation Constant

Roque, Jason R. Rodrin, Lauro Nio M. Samoranos, Karizza Mae P. So, Bernard Allan M. Bachelor of Science in Biology Major in Human Biology College of Science De La Salle University Dasmarias Dasmarias, Cavite, Philippines

ABSTRACT

The determination of acid dissociation constant was demonstrated by measuring the pH of different reagents and also there combination. Standard buffers were used to calibrate the pH meter in order to get the accurate pH of the different samples that will be used for the experiment. Afterwards, the different samples pH was measured. In between those measuring, the pH meter was cleansed by distilled water to prevent inaccurate measurement. Also, some samples were combined and measured there pH. After getting the pH of the different samples, formulas were used to calculate its acetate, acetic acid, and the dissociation constant of the acid. The experiment was performed to determine the dissociation constant of the weak acid and also to gain familiarity in using pH meter.

INTRODUCTION The relative strength of acids and bases depends on their tendency to donate or accept hydrogen ions (hydrogen atoms missing their single electron). Strong acids lose hydrogen ions easily, while strong bases accept hydrogen ions easily. The conjugate of a substance is the substance whose chemical formula differs from the firsts formula by one hydrogen ion, or H+. The conjugate of a strong acid is a weak base, and the conjugate of a strong base is a weak acid. (1) Some substances are essentially completely dissociated into ions in aqueous solution. Other substances are only slight dissociated. (2)

Fig. 1: Relative strengths of common acid and base

The pH scale provides a convenient way of expressing the acidity and basicity of dilute aqueous solution. Weak acids may partially dissociate to yield one hydrogen ion. Such acids are called weak monoprotic acid such as acetic acid. (3) The acid dissociation constant of acetic acid (a weak monoprotic acid) can be determined by measuring the pH of a solution containing the known concentration of acetic acid and acetate. (3) MATERIALS / REAGENTS & EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE To get the accurate pH measurement of the different samples a Ph meter was used. Before using the pH meter for the said experiment, it has been calibrated by a standard buffer of pH 4 and pH 7. Also, it is noted that before dipping the electrode of the pH meter it must be cleansed by distilled water to prevent inaccurate readings. In the determination of the dissociation constant of acetic acid, we have measured the pH of a 15mL solution of 1.0 M and 0.1 M acetic acid using the calibrated pH meter. 30.0 mL of 1.0 M sodium acetate and 15 mL of 1.0 M acetic acid were mixed and the pH was measured again. Then, we have diluted 10 mL of the solution above with 50 mL of distilled water and the pH was measured. Also, 5.0 mL of 1.0 M sodium acetate with 30 mL of 1.0 M acetic acid were mixed and its pH was measured. Afterwards, we have calculated the H+, acetate, acetic acid and the dissociation constant of the acid by using the formulas: H+ = ant (-pH) (molar conc of the acetate) (volume of the acetate) Acetate = --------------------------------------------------------------------volume of the solution (molar conc of the acetic acid) (volume of the acetic acid) Acetic Acid = -------------------------------------------------------------------------------volume of the solution (H+) (Acetate) Acid Dissociation = -------------------------------Acetic Acid DATA & RESULTS

Solutions 1.0 M acetic acid 0.10 M acetic acid 30 mL 1 M sodium acetate 15 mL 1 M acetic acid 10 mL of mixture in no. 3 + 50 mL distilled water 5.0 mL 1 M sodium acetate 30 mL 1 M acetic acid

pH 2.47 2.99 6.07

H+ 3.3 x 10-3 1 x 10-3 8.5 x 10-7

Acetate 3.3 x 10-3 M 1 x 10-3 M 0.66 M

Acetic Acid 1.0 M 1.0 M 0.4 M

Ka 1 x 10-5 1 x 10-5 1.4 x 10-6

5.92

1.2 x 10-6 9.3 x 10-5

0.66 M

0.07 M

1.13 x 10-5 1.5 x 10-3

4.03

0.14 M

0.86 M

According to the data shown above on the table, no. 5 solution has the highest dissociation among the five solutions while no. 3 is the solution that has a very small degree of dissociation.

REFERENCE (1)Microsoft Encarta 2007. 1993-2006 (3) Santos, G.N. and Lebron, G. 2000. Chemistry for High School III. 1st Ed. Rex Bookstore, Inc. (2) Fiqueroa, L.V. and Samonte, J.L. 2007. Laboratory Manual for General Chemistry. 3rd Ed. Manila: C & E Publishing, Inc.