Calculate the pH in titration of a weak acid: What is the pH in titration of formic acid (HCHO2, 0.200 M, 100.0 mL) after the addition of 300.0 mL NaOH (0.120 M)? The Ka of formic acid is 1.799 x 10-4.

pH = 12.61

Explanation:

First of all, we determine, the milimoles of base:

0.120 M = mmoles / 300 mL

mmoles = 300 mL . 0120 M = 36 mmoles

Now, we determine the milimoles of acid:

0.200 M = mmoles / 100 mL

mmoles = 100 mL . 0.200M = 20 mmoles

This is the neutralization:

HCOOH    +     OH⁻         ⇄        HCOO⁻     +    H₂O

20 mmol       36 mmol             20 mmol

                    16 mmol

We have an excess of OH⁻, the ones from the NaOH and the ones that formed the salt NaHCOO, because this salt has this hydrolisis:

NaHCOO  →  Na⁺  +  HCOO⁻

HCOO⁻  +  H₂O  ⇄   HCOOH  +  OH⁻   Kb →  Kw / Ka = 5.55×10⁻¹¹

These contribution of OH⁻ to the solution is insignificant because the Kb is very small

So:  [OH⁻] =  16 mmol / 400 mL →  0.04 M

- log  [OH⁻]  = pOH →  1.39

pH = 14 - pOH → 12.61