When you neutralize 1 proton you have H2PO4- in the solution. You have to move further, hence the 2nd.
Borek, let me see if I've got this straight. The HH equation calls for: log ([H
2PO
4-] / [HPO
4-2])
But we're really starting from
H3PO4, and going to HPO
4-2. Two protons are neutralized in this way.
If this reasoning was correct, I'm just glad I finally understood it. Unfortunately this concept was not very apparent to me.
Edit:
In such a cases I teach my students to exchange protons (and Na+) stepwise:
H3PO4 + Na3PO4 = NaH2PO4 + Na2HPO4
Then, depending which reagent should be in excess
NaH2PO4 + Na3PO4 = 2Na2HPO4
or
H3PO4 + Na2HPO4 = 2NaH2PO4
The stoichiometry should be done in moles or in concentrations when all reagents are in the same volume.
Oh, that makes sense to me now.