Ephedrine, a central nervous system stimulant, is used in nasal sprays as a decongestant. This compound is a weak organic base:
C10H15ON (aq) + H2O (l) -> C10H15ONH+ (aq) + OH- (aq)
A 0.035 M solution of ephedrine has a pH of 11.33.
a) What are the equilibrium concentrations of C10H15ON, C10H15ONH+, and OH-?
b) Calculate Kb for ephedrine.
c(C₁₀H₁₅NO) = 0,035 M.
pH = 11,33.
pOH = 14 - 11,33 = 2,67.
[OH⁻] = 10∧(-2,67) = 0,00213 M.
[OH⁻] = [C₁₀H₁₅NOH⁺] = 0,00213 M.
[C₁₀H₁₅NO] = 0,035 M - 0,00213 M = 0,03287 M.
Kb = [OH⁻] · [C₁₀H₁₅NOH⁺] / [C₁₀H₁₅NO].
Kb = (0,00213 M)² / 0,03287 M = 1,38·10⁻⁴.