A solution is prepared by mixing 50 mL of 1 MNaHX2POX4 with 50 mL of 1 MNaX2HPOX4. On the basis of the information above, which of the following species is present in the solution
at the lowest concentration?
Approach
NaHX2POX4 and NaX2HPOX4 will dissociate completely into ions. The major species present before any reactions occur are:
NaX+ and HX2POX4X− and HX2POX4X2−
We can consider the production of all ions:
NaX+ ions will be abundant from the initial dissociation of salts.
HPOX4X2− will be present from the forward reaction of the second reaction and from the initial dissociation.
HX2POX4X− will be present from the initial dissociation. It can also be produced from the reverse reaction of the second reaction.
POX4X3− will be present from the forward reaction of the third reaction.
The Ka3 value of the third reaction is very small, meaning that very little product is made.
Therefore, POX4X3− will be present at the lowest concentration.