The Effect of pH on Solubility
If the compound contains the anion of a weak acid, addition
of H3O+ (from a strong acid) increases its solubility
(LeChâtelier’s principle)
CaCO3(s) Ca2+(aq) + CO32-(aq)
CO32-(aq) + H3O+(aq) HCO3- (aq) + H2O(l)
HCO3-(aq) + H3O+(aq) H2CO3(aq) + H2O(l)
H2CO3(aq) 2H2O(l) + CO2(g)
Adding H3O+ shifts the equilibrium to the right.
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