Question

If a compound contains an anion which is the conjugate base of a weak acid, the addition of hydronium ion solubility does what ?

Answer 1

The addition of hydronium ion increases the solubility of the salt

Step-by-step explanation:

When a weak acid, MA dissociates in an aqueous solution, the following products in equilibrium are obtained;

MA ----> M+ + A-

The anion which is a conjugate base will be removed from the solution with the addition of a hydronium ion from an acid: 2H3O+ + 2A- ----> 2HA + 2H20

This distorts the reaction equilibrium. According to Le Chatelier’s principle, more MA will dissolve until in order to restore the previous equilibrium of the reaction.

Therefore, an acidic pH increases the solubility of almost all sparingly soluble salts whose anion is the conjugate base of a weak acid.