Asked by Rav

Sorbic acid, HC6H702 (pKa=4.77), is widely used in the food industry as a preservative. For example, its potassium salt (potassium sorbate) is added to cheese to inhibit the formation of mold. What is the pH of 0.37M KC6H702(aq)?

Answers

Answered by DrBob222
Let's call sorbic acid HSorb.

HSorb ==> H^+ _ Sorb^-
Ka = (H^+)(Sorb^-)/(HSorb) = Ka.
So (H^+) = x
(Sorb^-) = x
(HSorb) = 0.37 - x
Substitute into the Ka expression and solve for x.
Note: It would be a good idea to convert pKa to Ka first.
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