Enthalpy of Neutralization

Introduction

Enthalpy of neutralization is the change in enthalpy that occurs when one equivalent of an acid
and a base undergo a neutralization reaction to form water and a salt. It is a special case of the
enthalpy of reaction. The enthalpy of neutralization is always negative, meaning that heat is
released when an acid and a base react.

Standard Enthalpy of Neutralization

The standard enthalpy of neutralization, ΔH°n, is the enthalpy change of a neutralization

reaction when carried out under standard conditions. Standard conditions are defined as a
temperature of 298 K and a pressure of 1 atm. The standard enthalpy of neutralization of a
strong acid with a strong base is -57.62 kJ/mol. This means that 57.62 kJ of heat is released
when one mole of water is formed from the neutralization of a strong acid with a strong base
under standard conditions.

Factors Affecting the Enthalpy of Neutralization

The following factors can affect the enthalpy of neutralization:

● Type of acid and base: The strength of the acid and base can affect the enthalpy of
neutralization. Strong acids and bases completely dissociate in solution, while weak acids
and bases only partially dissociate. As a result, the enthalpy of neutralization of strong
acids and bases is greater than that of weak acids and bases.
● Concentration of the acid and base: The concentration of the acid and base can also
affect the enthalpy of neutralization. More concentrated solutions will release more heat
than less concentrated solutions.
● Temperature: The temperature of the reaction can also affect the enthalpy of
neutralization. At higher temperatures, the enthalpy of neutralization will be less negative.
This is because the entropy of the system increases at higher temperatures, which offsets
the decrease in enthalpy that occurs during the reaction.

Measurement of the Enthalpy of Neutralization

The enthalpy of neutralization can be measured using a calorimeter. A calorimeter is a device

that measures the amount of heat released or absorbed during a chemical reaction. To measure
the enthalpy of neutralization, the acid and base are mixed in the calorimeter and the
temperature change is measured. The enthalpy of neutralization can then be calculated using
the following equation:
ΔH°n = -Q / n(H2O)

where:

● Q is the heat released or absorbed by the reaction (in kJ)

● n(H2O) is the number of moles of water formed in the reaction

Applications of the Enthalpy of Neutralization

The enthalpy of neutralization has a number of applications, including:

● Acid-base titrations: Acid-base titrations are a common analytical technique used to

determine the concentration of an unknown acid or base. The enthalpy of neutralization
can be used to calculate the concentration of the unknown acid or base by measuring the
amount of heat released during the titration.
● Bomb calorimetry: Bomb calorimetry is a technique used to measure the enthalpy of
combustion of a substance. The enthalpy of combustion can be used to calculate the
energy content of a fuel or food.
● Neutralization reactions: Neutralization reactions are used in a variety of industrial and
commercial processes, such as the production of fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, and
detergents. The enthalpy of neutralization can be used to design and optimize these
processes.

Examples of Neutralization Reactions

Here are some examples of neutralization reactions:

● Hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH):

HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H2O

● Sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and potassium hydroxide (KOH):

H2SO4 + 2 KOH → K2SO4 + 2 H2O

● Nitric acid (HNO3) and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2):

2 HNO3 + Ca(OH)2 → Ca(NO3)2 + 2 H2O

Conclusion

The enthalpy of neutralization is an important thermochemical property that can be used to

understand and design a variety of chemical reactions. It is also a useful tool for analytical
chemistry and industrial processes.