Problem: Phenylacetic acid (HPAc) is a modified form of an amino acid phenyl alanine seen in patients with phenylketonuria, an inherited disorder. A study of HPAc shows that the pH of a 0.12 M HPAc solution is 2.62. What is the Ka of HPAc?A. 2.4 × 10–3B. 4.8 × 10–5 C. 3.6 × 10–8 D. 5.0 × 10–4E. 1.2 × 10–5
FREE Expert Solution
We’re being asked to calculate the equilibrium constant of HPAc if a 0.12 M solution has a pH of 2.62
Remember that weak acids partially dissociate in water and that acids donate H+ to the base (water in this case).
The dissociation of HPAc is as follows:
HPAc(aq) + H2O(l) ⇌ H3O+(aq) + PAc–(aq)
Problem Details
Phenylacetic acid (HPAc) is a modified form of an amino acid phenyl alanine seen in patients with phenylketonuria, an inherited disorder. A study of HPAc shows that the pH of a 0.12 M HPAc solution is 2.62. What is the Ka of HPAc?
A. 2.4 × 10–3
B. 4.8 × 10–5
C. 3.6 × 10–8
D. 5.0 × 10–4
E. 1.2 × 10–5
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What scientific concept do you need to know in order to solve this problem?
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