What role does carbonic acid play in the human body?

It is essential in the bicarbonate buffer system, helping to maintain blood pH levels and overall acid-base balance in the body.

Is carbonic acid harmful?

In small amounts, carbonic acid is not harmful and is naturally present in carbonated beverages and the human body. However, concentrated solutions can be mildly corrosive.

Why is carbonic acid considered a weak acid?

Carbonic acid is considered a weak acid because it only partially dissociates in solution, producing a relatively low concentration of hydrogen ions compared to strong acids.

Carbonic Acid: H2CO3 pH, Formula, Structure and Properties

Carbonic Acid Chemical Name: This article is designed to explain the important points related to Carbonic Acid. It is an important topic taught to chemistry students, along with its properties, structure, and formula. Read the information provided here for better understanding and clarity.

ByAtul Rawal

Jul 16, 2024, 11:57 IST

Know here Carbonic Acid- H2CO3 pH, Formula, Structure and Properties

Carbonic Acid Structure: Acids and Bases are an integral part of chemistry and a major portion is devoted to explaining their properties and examples. One of the most studied acids is Carbon Acid. It is a well-explained portion of NCERT Class 10th Science. This article is designed to help students get additional information about the Carbonic Acid pH, formula, structure, chemical name, acidity, etc. Read this for further information.

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Carbonic Acid H₂CO₃ Structure

Carbonic acid (H₂CO₃) is a weak acid formed when carbon dioxide (CO₂) dissolves in water. The structure of carbonic acid consists of one carbon atom double-bonded to one oxygen atom and single-bonded to two hydroxyl (OH) groups. The chemical formula can be represented as H₂CO₃. The structure of Carbonic acid is given below:

How to Prepare Carbonic Acid?

Carbonic acid can be prepared by dissolving carbon dioxide in water. The reaction is as follows:

CO₂+H₂O→H₂CO₃

This reaction is reversible, meaning carbonic acid can decompose back into carbon dioxide and water.

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Properties of Carbonic Acid H₂CO₃

Let's check the general properties of Carbonic Acid through these simple points.

Chemical Formula: H₂CO₃
Molar Mass: 62.03 g/mol
Appearance: It is typically not isolated in pure form and exists only in solution.
Solubility: Soluble in water
Stability: Unstable in pure form, decomposes into water and carbon dioxide
Acidity: Weak acid

Uses of Carbonic Acid H₂CO₃

Carbonic Acid has various benefits and utilisations. For example;

Carbonated Beverages: Used in the production of carbonated drinks to create bubbles and fizz.
Water Treatment: Helps in adjusting the pH of water in water treatment plants.
Pharmaceuticals: Sometimes used in medicines as a pH regulator.
Chemical Reactions: Acts as a reactant in various chemical processes.

Importance of Carbonic Acid in Blood

Carbonic acid plays a crucial role in the bicarbonate buffer system, which maintains the pH balance in the blood. It helps to regulate the body's pH level by converting to bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) and hydrogen ions (H⁺). The reaction is as follows:

H₂CO₃→HCO₃⁻+H⁺

This equilibrium allows the blood to neutralise excess acids or bases, maintaining a stable pH essential for physiological processes.

pH of Carbonic Acid and Its Level of Acidity

Carbonic acid is a weak acid with a pKa value of approximately 6.35 for the first dissociation and 10.33 for the second dissociation. In solution, it partially dissociates to form bicarbonate and hydrogen ions, leading to a mildly acidic pH. The pH of a carbonic acid solution typically ranges from 4 to 6, depending on the concentration of carbon dioxide.