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How will changing the pH affect the formation of a complex ion between Fe³⁺ and CN⁻ in a solution containing both species at equilibrium? Provide a theoretical explanation supported by relevant chemical equations and calculations.

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Changing the pH of a solution containing both Fe and CN ions will affect the formation of the complex ion Fe CN . The formation of this complex ion is governed by the following equilibrium reaction:Fe aq  + 6CN aq   Fe CN  aq The equilibrium constant for this reaction, Kf, is given by:Kf = [Fe CN ] /  [Fe][CN] Now, let's consider the effect of pH on this equilibrium. The CN ion is the conjugate base of the weak acid HCN:HCN aq  + HO l   HO aq  + CN aq The equilibrium constant for this reaction, Ka, is given by:Ka = [HO][CN] / [HCN]As the pH of the solution changes, the concentration of HO ions changes as well. When the pH decreases  more acidic conditions , the concentration of HO ions increases. This will shift the HCN equilibrium to the left, decreasing the concentration of CN ions in the solution. With a lower concentration of CN ions, the complex ion formation equilibrium will also shift to the left, resulting in a lower concentration of Fe CN  complex ions.Conversely, when the pH increases  more basic conditions , the concentration of HO ions decreases. This will shift the HCN equilibrium to the right, increasing the concentration of CN ions in the solution. With a higher concentration of CN ions, the complex ion formation equilibrium will shift to the right, resulting in a higher concentration of Fe CN  complex ions.In summary, decreasing the pH  more acidic conditions  will decrease the formation of the Fe CN  complex ion, while increasing the pH  more basic conditions  will increase the formation of the Fe CN  complex ion. This can be explained by the effect of pH on the concentration of CN ions, which in turn affects the position of the complex ion formation equilibrium.

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