Aspirin (pKa = 3.49) is a weak acid. At which pH will its solubility be highest?
- (A) pH 1.0
- (B) pH 2.0
- (C) pH 3.0
- (D) pH 4.0
- (E) pH 6.0
Answer
(E) pH 6.0
Explanation:
Aspirin is a weak acid with a pKa of 3.49. It becomes more ionized—and more soluble—at higher pH. At pH 6.0, which is about 2 units above its pKa, aspirin is mostly ionized, so it’s most soluble at this pH.
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