Chapter 16: Problem 12
The \(\mathrm{pH}\) of \(0.10 \mathrm{M} \mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{NH}_{2}\) (methylamine) is \(11.8\). When the chloride salt of methylamine, \(\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{NH}_{3} \mathrm{Cl}\), is added to this solution, does the pH increase or decrease? Explain, using Le Châtelier's principle and the common-ion effect.
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Identify the chemical equilibrium
Determine the effect of adding a salt
Apply Le Châtelier's principle
Consider the common-ion effect
Conclude the effect on pH
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Chemical Equilibrium
\[\mathrm{CH}_3\mathrm{NH}_2 + \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O} \rightleftharpoons \mathrm{CH}_3\mathrm{NH}_3^+ + \mathrm{OH}^-\]This chemical reaction highlights that the methylamine acts as a weak base, accepting a proton (\(\mathrm{H}^+\)) from water to form its conjugate acid (\(\mathrm{CH}_3\mathrm{NH}_3^+\)) and hydroxide ions (\(\mathrm{OH}^-\)). Reaching a state of equilibrium means any disturbance will provoke the system to adjust itself to restore balance.
Common-Ion Effect
The chloride ion (\(\mathrm{Cl}^-\)) acts as a spectator ion and does not participate in the equilibrium reaction. However, the added \(\mathrm{CH}_3\mathrm{NH}_3^+\) ions increase this ion's concentration in the solution. Because \(\mathrm{CH}_3\mathrm{NH}_3^+\) is already a product of the equilibrium reaction, its increased concentration pushes the equilibrium to favor the reactants side — reducing \(\mathrm{OH}^-\) concentration due to less ionization of \(\mathrm{CH}_3\mathrm{NH}_2\).
pH Change
In systems involving weak bases like methylamine, the addition of \(\mathrm{CH}_3\mathrm{NH}_3\mathrm{Cl}\) affects the pH due to changes in the equilibrium. As the equilibrium shifts to favor the reactants due to the common-ion effect, \(\mathrm{OH}^-\) concentration reduces:- Lower \(\mathrm{OH}^-\) concentration means fewer hydroxide ions are available to contribute to the basicity.- Consequently, the pH decreases from its original state.Therefore, when methylamine’s chloride salt is added, despite the solution starting with a pH of 11.8, this decrease causes the pH to move closer to a neutral pH of 7.
Weak Bases
- Because of this partial ionization, the concentration of hydroxide ions (\(\mathrm{OH}^-\)) is much less compared to strong bases.- It is crucial because the chemical equilibrium is sensitive to changes, including the introduction of additional ions from an external source like \(\mathrm{CH}_3\mathrm{NH}_3\mathrm{Cl}\).The weak nature of methylamine means adding more \(\mathrm{CH}_3\mathrm{NH}_3^+\) ions shifts the equilibrium back to the formation of the base (reactants), leading to the aforementioned decrease in \(\mathrm{OH}^-\) concentration and thus a lowered pH.