Posted: Jan 12, 2013 1:02 am
I remember when I was studying chemistry that one of my teachers mentioned that the maximum concentration of an acid in water is conveniently the same value as its molecular weight. There was no mention of this only being limited to those under 100g/mol, so this may only be the case for a limited ammount of acids.
E.g. H2SO4 has a molecular weight of 98g/mol, and happens to at its max. conc. at 98%
E.g. HCl has a molecular weight of 36g/mol, and happens to at its max. conc. at 36%
Values not exact, but the point is clear. According to various tables I found on the interweb this appears to be a coincidence with a few acids. In any case, I remember there being an actual reason for this and it was explained but I have since long forgotten - despite having a bloody good memory.
Can any of the chemistry wizards here offer an explaination? Or is the above all bollocks at the end of the day?
E.g. H2SO4 has a molecular weight of 98g/mol, and happens to at its max. conc. at 98%
E.g. HCl has a molecular weight of 36g/mol, and happens to at its max. conc. at 36%
Values not exact, but the point is clear. According to various tables I found on the interweb this appears to be a coincidence with a few acids. In any case, I remember there being an actual reason for this and it was explained but I have since long forgotten - despite having a bloody good memory.
Can any of the chemistry wizards here offer an explaination? Or is the above all bollocks at the end of the day?