In: Chemistry
Fumaric acid has two conjugate base forms, with pKa1=3.02 and pKa2=4.48, at what pH value αHA- got its largest fractions?
Assume H2A is the diprotic acid, with constants Ka1 and Ka2 for each dissociation
1st dissociation:
H2A <-> H+ + HA- Ka1
2nd dissociation
HA- <-> H+ + A-2 Ka2
note that HA- is present in both dissociations
if we want HA- to be the most value, then, this is only true in the half point between pKa1 and pKa2
that is:
pH = 1/2*(pKa1 + pKA2)
pH = 1/2*(3.02+4.48) = 3.75
Then, the pH value in which HA- is the highest value can be achieved when pH = 3.75
if pH is less than 3.75, expect: H2A > HA- > A-2
if pH is more than 3.75, expect, H2A < HA- < A-2
then
if pH = HA- then, H2A and A-2 will be min and HA- is max