The salt Zn(OH)2 is involved in the following two equilibria:
Zn(OH)2(s)⇌Zn2+(aq)+2OH−(aq); Ksp=1.2×10−17
Zn(OH)2(s)+2OH−(aq)⇌[Zn(OH)4]2−(aq); Kc=0.2
Calculate the pH of the solution at which solubility is minimum.
a.Zn(OH)2(s)⟺Zn+2+2OH−
Ksp=[Zn+2][OH−]2
b.Zn(OH)2+2OH−⟺[Zn(OH)2]2−
Kf=[Zn(OH)4]2−[OH2−]
By coupling a and b
2Zn(OH)2(s)⟺Zn2+(aq)+Zn(OH)2−4(aq)
Ksp×Kf=S×S
S=√Ksp×Kf
√2×10−17×0.2=1.2×10−9M
Thustotalsolubilitywillbe
2S=2×1.2×10−9M=2.4×10−9M
The Solubility is minimum when
[Zn2+][OH−]2=1.2×10−17
1.2×10−9[OH−]2=1.2×10−17
[OH−]=10−4M
POH=4
AsweknowthatpH+pOH=14
pH=14−4=10