BUFFER

• Product Name:BUFFER
• Synonyms: BUFFER
• CAS:
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• MW:0
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• Mol File:Mol File
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A solution in which the pH remains reasonably constant when acids or alkalis are added to it; i.e. it acts as a buffer against (small) changes in pH. Buffer solutions generally contain a weak acid and one of its salts derived from a strong base; e.g. a solution of ethanoic acid and sodium ethanoate. If an acid is added, the H+ reacts with the ethanoate ion (from dissociated sodium ethanoate) to form undissociated ethanoic acid; if a base is added the OH– reacts with the ethanoic acid to form water and the ethanoate ion. The effectiveness of the buffering action is determined by the concentrations of the acid–anion pair:<br/> K = [H⁺][CH₃COO^&ndash;]/[CH3COOH]<br/> where K is the dissociation constant.<br/> Phosphate, oxalate, tartrate, borate, and carbonate systems can also be used for buffer solutions.