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would place on the diagram. 1. Organic complexing agent H5X can be used to inact

ID: 989883 • Letter: W

Question

would place on the diagram. 1. Organic complexing agent H5X can be used to inactivate toxic metal (M) in water. H5X needs to be completely dissociated to X5- to complex metal M (MX is formed). H5X forms the following species in water: H5X H4X- pKa1 =1.5 H3X2- pKa2 =3.6 H2X3- pKa3 =7.8 HX4- pKa4 =10.9 X5- pKa5 =11.5 a. In water what is the mass balance of all species X b. Express the fraction () for species X5- with respect to pH c. Would metal M be complexed by our organic agent in natural water? d. At the following pH’s what is the predominate ion of X present in natural water? 8.67 5.45 13.45 HINT: you don’t really have to do any calculation in this question (you are of course always welcome to do so)

Explanation / Answer

Question will be answered without any calculations accordingly.

(a) in water pH is 7 @ 25 °C

Pka 1.25 =a strong acid

Pka 3.6 =somewhat strong

Pka 7.8 =weak acid

Pka 10.9 =will not dissociate

Pka 11.5 =will not dissociate

Therefore at pH=7

H4X- will not exist. H3X2- exists. H2X3- also can exist. HX4- not formed. HX5- not formed.

(b) At lower pH values alpha value for X5- tend to be zero. At higher values of pH alpha value for X 5- will tend to be 1.

(c) Metal M will not be complexed in natural water as X5- form is not available.

(d) At pH =8.67. H2X3-

     At pH = 5.45. H3X2-

At pH = 13.45. X5-