Alka Seltzer Lab Report

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In acidic aqueous solution, a buffer is formed by the dissociation of the acid:
HA ⇄ H+ + A-
Hence, when acid is added, the excess H+ reacts with the A- to form more HA, lowering the pH and minimising the effect of the addition of acid. When alkali is added, the OH- reacts with the dissociated H+ to form water, which reduces the effect of the alkali by restoring the pH to normal levels. Alka Seltzer acts as a buffer because the citrate ions in solution (C6H5O73-) are able to react with H+ when acid is added, to form citric acid, C6H8O7. This neutralises the acid, increasing the pH. The excess HCO3- ions also react with H+ to form CO2 and water, hence lowering the pH and reducing the acidity of the solution. The HCO3- ions also act as a buffer when alkali is added, because they react with OH- to create water and CO32- ions, increasing the pH and reducing the effect of the addiction of alkali. (Shakhashiri B, 1989) …show more content…

The sodium citrate then dissociates in aqueous solution to form citrate ions that are able to form a buffer solution. This allows the Alka Seltzer to act as an antacid by neutralising the excess acid in the stomach, as H+ is used to form citric acid. The excess HCO3- ions in the aqueous mixture also act as a buffer which helps to reduce the acidity, further functioning as an antacid. (Shakhashiri B, 1989.) The aspirin in Alka Seltzer acts as an analgesic and also as an anti-inflammatory drug. It is absorbed by the gastro-intestinal tract and is then converted into its active ingredient, salicylic acid, which works to relive pain. (Medicines.ie, 2014) Hence, Alka Seltzer is an efficient