Carbonic Acid Dissociation (Blood Buffer)

H2CO3 ⇌ HCO3− + H+

Descripción general

The carbonic acid/bicarbonate buffer system is the primary blood buffer maintaining pH between 7.35 and 7.45. Carbon dioxide dissolves in blood to form carbonic acid, which dissociates to bicarbonate and hydrogen ions. The enzyme carbonic anhydrase catalyzes the CO₂ hydration. Disruption causes acidosis or alkalosis.

Participantes

Rol Sustancia Coeficiente Estado
Reactivo Carbonic Acid H₂CO₃ 1 (aq)

Ejemplo cotidiano

When you exercise hard and breathe heavily, your body is using this buffer system to prevent dangerous pH changes from metabolic acid production.

Importancia industrial

Comprender el tampón bicarbonato es esencial en medicina para el manejo de trastornos ácido-base, en bancos de sangre y en el diseño de soluciones de diálisis.

Propiedades

Tipo
Acid-Base
Reversible
Sí
Energía
Endotérmico
Catalizador
Carbonic anhydrase (in blood)

Reacciones relacionadas

Hydrochloric Acid and Barium Hydroxide Acetic Acid and Sodium Acetate Buffer System Acetic Acid Dissociation in Water Ammonia and Hydrochloric Acid Ascorbic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide Barium Hydroxide and Ammonium Thiocyanate (Endothermic) Carbonic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide Aluminum Hydroxide as Amphoteric Acid with NaOH Aluminum Chloride and Chloride Ion (Lewis Acid-Base) Formic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Carbonic Acid Dissociation (Blood Buffer)?
The balanced equation is: H₂CO₃ ⇌ HCO₃⁻ + H⁺.
What type of reaction is Carbonic Acid Dissociation (Blood Buffer)?
Carbonic Acid Dissociation (Blood Buffer) is a acid-base reaction. It is reversible under certain conditions.
Is Carbonic Acid Dissociation (Blood Buffer) exothermic or endothermic?
Carbonic Acid Dissociation (Blood Buffer) is endothermic (absorbs energy).
What conditions are needed for Carbonic Acid Dissociation (Blood Buffer)?
This reaction requires a catalyst (Carbonic anhydrase (in blood)).