How does #H_3PO_4# behave as an acid?

Question

191 views around the world

You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License

Answer 1

Jul 19, 2017

You have not quoted #K_a# values for #H_3PO_4# or #H_2PO_4^(-)#.......

Phosphoric acid speciates in solution according to......

#H_3PO_4(aq) + H_2O(l) stackrel(K_(a1))rightleftharpoonsH_2PO_4^(-)(aq) + H_3O^(+)#

And.............

#H_2PO_4^(-)(aq) + H_2Ostackrel(K_(a2))rightleftharpoonsHPO_4^(2-)(aq) + H_3O^(+)#

We need #K_(a1)# and #K_(a2)# before we can address your question.