JEE Main Chemistry question
A physician wishes to prepare a buffer solution at pH=3.58 that efficiently resists a change in pH yet contains only small concentrations of the buffering agents. Which one of the following weak acids together with its sodium salt would be best to use?
Answer: (D)
Solution
Maximum buffer efficiency requires pKa as close as possible to the target pH; acetoacetic acid's pKa exactly matches 3.58.