Sciencemadness Discussion Board

Concentrated/Max Mol solution of C6H8O7

CHRIS25 - 8-5-2012 at 13:06

Citric Acid:

Molar mass is 192g/mole anhydrous
Solubility = 72grams per 100mL
19.2grams per 100mL = 1mole

Therefore does that mean that maximum concentration of citric acid that can be made would be a 3.75 mole because of its solubility limit (72 divided by 19.2)?

Am I confused?

Hexavalent - 8-5-2012 at 13:14

What are you trying to do? Calculate the concentration of a saturated solution of citric acid?

If so, then yes . .

If so, then solubility = 720g/L

Moles = Mass/Mr

720/192 = 3.75 moles.

3.75/10 = 0.375

Therefore, 1L of a saturated solution of citric acid will hold 3.75 moles of citric acid, or 720g.

Therefore, 100ml of a saturated solution of citric acid will hold 0.375 moles of citric acid, or 72g.

Thus, the maximum concentration for a solution of citric acid (I presume your solubility data refers to RTP) will be 3.75 molar.


[Edited on 8-5-2012 by Hexavalent]

CHRIS25 - 8-5-2012 at 13:31

Hi Hexavalent, yes that was it. At least I am on the right road here.

Hexavalent - 8-5-2012 at 13:34

Yes, you certainly are.

This might be better BTW in the 'Short questions thread', I've sent the mods a message to let them know. Might be better there than having an entire thread on its own.

CHRIS25 - 8-5-2012 at 13:45

Sorry, did not know there was a short questions thread, can't seem to find it.

Hexavalent - 8-5-2012 at 13:49

http://www.sciencemadness.org/talk/viewthread.php?tid=14239