In an aqueous dichromate solution, a strict chemical equilibrium exists: . At what approximate analy — d and f Block Elements Chemistry Question
Question
In an aqueous dichromate solution, a strict chemical equilibrium exists: $Cr_2O_7^{2-} + H_2O \rightleftharpoons 2CrO_4^{2-} + 2H^+$. At what approximate analytical $pH$ value are the yellow chromate and orange dichromate ions universally established to exist in an exact, balanced equilibrium?
💡 Solution & Explanation
The interconversion between chromate and dichromate is highly $pH$ dependent. In acidic media (low $pH$), dichromate is the predominant stable species. In basic media (high $pH$), chromate is predominant. Experimental and thermodynamic data strictly establish that these two specific ions ($Cr_2O_7^{2-}$ and $CrO_4^{2-}$) exist in a finely balanced equilibrium at a specific $pH$ of roughly $4$.