Question

What is the ratio of lactic acid (Ka = 1.37x10-4) to lactate in a solution with pH =4.49?

Answer 1

The ratio of lactic acid to lactate in the solution with a pH of 4.49 is approximately 49.76.

Step-by-step explanation:

The ratio of lactic acid to lactate in a solution can be determined using the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation. The Henderson-Hasselbalch equation is pH = pKa + log ([Lactate-]/[Lactic Acid]), where Ka is the acid dissociation constant. In this case, the Ka value for lactic acid is given as 1.37 x 10-4.

Since the pH of the solution is given as 4.49, we can substitute these values into the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation:

4.49 = -log(1.37 x 10-4) + log ([Lactate-]/[Lactic Acid])

Solving for the ratio [Lactate-]/[Lactic Acid], we get:

[Lactate-]/[Lactic Acid] = 10(4.49 + log(1.37 x 10-4))

Using a calculator, we can find the value of the ratio to be approximately 49.76.