Is it possible to prepare a buffer solution using nitric acid (#HNO_3#) and sodium hydroxide (#NaOH#)?

1 Answer
anor277
Mar 28, 2016

As far as I know, a buffer solution could not be prepared from #NaOH# and #HNO_3#. Nitrate anion would have little effect on #pH#.

Explanation:

You have a strong base, and a moderate to strong acid, #HNO_3#. You can protonate #HNO_3# to form water and #NO_2^+# by the use of sulfuric acid:

#HNO_3 + H_2SO_4 rarr NO_2^+ + HSO_4^(-) + H_2O#

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