Question

Define a buffer and explain how a buffer works. [Note: be sure to address the role of conjugate salts.]

Analyze and explain the buffer system in buffered aspirin (carboxylic acid).

Answer 1

Buffer is defined as a solution that contains a weak acid and its salt with a strong base, or a weak base and its salt with a strong acid.

Buffer is of two types i.e acidic buffer( formed by mixing weak acid and its salt with strong base) and the basic buffer (formed by mixing weak base and its salt with strong acid).

The buffer resists the change in pH, which is possible by the addition of acid or bases.

In the case of an acidic buffer, if the base is added than it is neutralized by acid and if acid is added it is neutralized by the conjugated base.

Similarly for the basic buffer, if acid is added than it is neutralized by the base and if acid is added it is neutralized by the conjugated acid.

hence, in this way, the buffer resists the change in pH.

Ans 2:

The buffer system in buffered aspirin is Acetylsalicylic acid, as Aspirin buffer is used in the human body, it is used for neutralizing the acid produced in the stomach.

As Acetylsalicylic acid is present in the fat-soluble form in stomach acid, It diffuses from the stomach lining to the cells lying below. After reaching the to the underlying cells, it faces many acidic conditions and to prevent it from diffusing back into the stomach it ionizes again and attains the form which is water-soluble.

hope this helps!