As this famous equation states:
pH=pK+lg([base]/[acid])Now let us take sample. Phosphate buffer with
pH=7. You can find anywhere that for this case you need the ratio of K
2HPO
4/KH2PO4=61.5/38.5. and this values are correct. I have done myself. (base => K
2HPO
4)
pK in this case, as you can also find almost everywhere is 7.21
therefore:
lg([base]/[acid])=-0.21
and
[base]/[acid]=10
-0.21=0.616595...
Please note that
this value is reverse of above mentioned ratio. The proper (above given) ratio you can get if pK=6.79.
well, at some places I also found that pK is 6.86 but those sources are less reliable and anyway, this value does not lead to proper solution.
Any Ideas?