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Write the equations for the stepwise dissociation

ofpyrophosphoric acid, H4P2)7. Identify all conjugate
acid-basepairs.

1 Answer

4 votes

Answer:

H₄P₂O₇ + H₂O ⇄ H₃P₂O₇⁻ + H₃O⁺

Weak acid Base Strong conjugate base conjugate acid

H₃P₂O₇⁻ + H₂O ⇄ H₂P₂O₇⁻² + H₃O⁺

Weak acid Base Strong conjugate base conjugate acid

H₂P₂O₇⁻² + H₂O ⇄ HP₂O₇⁻³ + H₃O⁺

Weak acid Base Strong conjugate base conjugate acid

HP₂O₇⁻³ + H₂O ⇄ P₂O₇⁻⁴ + H₃O⁺

Weak acid Base Strong conjugate base conjugate acid

Step-by-step explanation:

Pyrophosphoric acid → H₄P₂O₇

It's a poliprotic acid, which is able to release more than two protons. Pyrophosphoric acid is generated when we add 2 water to phosphorus (V) oxide .

P₂O₅ + 2H₂O → H₄P₂O₇

As it is able to release 4 protons, it will have 4 Ka for each equilibrium.

H₄P₂O₇ + H₂O ⇄ H₃P₂O₇⁻ + H₃O⁺

Weak acid Base Strong conjugate base conjugate acid

H₃P₂O₇⁻ + H₂O ⇄ H₂P₂O₇⁻² + H₃O⁺

Weak acid Base Strong conjugate base conjugate acid

H₂P₂O₇⁻² + H₂O ⇄ HP₂O₇⁻³ + H₃O⁺

Weak acid Base Strong conjugate base conjugate acid

HP₂O₇⁻³ + H₂O ⇄ P₂O₇⁻⁴ + H₃O⁺

Weak acid Base Strong conjugate base conjugate acid

As the water, is always receiving one H⁺ behaves as a base, so the H₃O⁺ will be the conjugate acid

H₄P₂O₇ is a weak acid, it donates the H⁺ to water, so the anions will be the strong conjugate base. They will react in water donating the protons until become P₂O₇⁻⁴

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