Lidstrom:Buffers: Difference between revisions

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== Q&A==
== Q&A==
=== Does pH of a buffer depend on the concentration of buffer? ===
=== Does pH of a buffer depend on the concentration of buffer? ===
A buffer would be expected to maintain its pH upon dilution, if both [A<sup>-</sup>] and [HA] are reduced in equivalent proportions.  This is not strictly the case, although it is a useful approximation provided the dilution is not large. (source: [http://www.amazon.com/Enzyme-Assays-Practical-Approach-Series/dp/0199631425/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1383921457&sr=8-1&keywords=0199631425 ISBN 0-19-963142-5] pg 318) A discussion of ionic strength follows, informing you that K<sub>a</sub> depends on the ionic strength and hence to some degree on dilution.  They provide an equation for calculating the effect of dilution or change in ionic strength of a buffer on its pH arising from changes in activity coefficients.   
A buffer would be expected to maintain its pH upon dilution, if both [A<sup>-</sup>] and [HA] are reduced in equivalent proportions.  This is not strictly the case, although it is a useful approximation provided the dilution is not large.  A discussion of ionic strength follows, informing you that K<sub>a</sub> depends on the ionic strength and hence to some degree on dilution.  They provide an equation for calculating the effect of dilution or change in ionic strength of a buffer on its pH arising from changes in activity coefficients.   


The changes in pH arising from the dilution of a buffer are generally small where the buffering ion is monovalent.  Example: dilution of a 0.1M buffer comprising equal amounts of HA and [A<sup>-</sup>] to 0.05M causes a change of 0.024 pH units.  However, if the buffer ions are polyvalent, e.g. phosphate or citrate, the change may be appreciable and large dilutions should be avoided.
The changes in pH arising from the dilution of a buffer are generally small where the buffering ion is monovalent.  Example: dilution of a 0.1M buffer comprising equal amounts of HA and [A<sup>-</sup>] to 0.05M causes a change of 0.024 pH units.  However, if the buffer ions are polyvalent, e.g. phosphate or citrate, the change may be appreciable and large dilutions should be avoided.
(source: [http://www.amazon.com/Enzyme-Assays-Practical-Approach-Series/dp/0199631425/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1383921457&sr=8-1&keywords=0199631425 ISBN 0-19-963142-5] pg 318) 


=== How does temperature affect the pH of a buffer? ===
=== How does temperature affect the pH of a buffer? ===
Amine-containing buffers are most sensitive to changes in temperature.  Example: Tris-HCl adjusted to pH=8.0 at 25°C will have a pH of 8.78 at 0°C, whereas carboxylic acid buffers are least sensitive to changes in temperature.  Example: acetate buffer adjusted to pH 4.5 at 25°C will have a pH of 4.495 at 0°C.  '''These differences are due to the differences in ΔH for ionization of the acids.'''
Amine-containing buffers are most sensitive to changes in temperature.  Example: Tris-HCl adjusted to pH=8.0 at 25°C will have a pH of 8.78 at 0°C, whereas carboxylic acid buffers are least sensitive to changes in temperature.  Example: acetate buffer adjusted to pH 4.5 at 25°C will have a pH of 4.495 at 0°C.  '''These differences are due to the differences in ΔH for ionization of the acids.'''
(source: [http://www.amazon.com/Enzyme-Assays-Practical-Approach-Series/dp/0199631425/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1383921457&sr=8-1&keywords=0199631425 ISBN 0-19-963142-5] pg 318) 


=== How do method developer chose between sodium and potassium phospahte buffers? ===
=== How do method developer chose between sodium and potassium phospahte buffers? ===
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