Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Chemistry => Topic started by: Eugene Bezuidenhout on 06/09/2009 13:30:04

Title: Why is distilled water alkaline?
Post by: Eugene Bezuidenhout on 06/09/2009 13:30:04

Eugene Bezuidenhout asked the Naked Scientists:
   
I take it that the pH of distilled water is 7?

So why does distilled water have an alkalinity reading if there is no buffering salts in the distilled water?

Regards

Eugene

What do you think?

Title: Why is distilled water alkaline?
Post by: Chemistry4me on 07/09/2009 03:46:21

Faulty pH meter? Dirty distillation equipment? Didn't do the distillation properly?
Could almost be anything.

Title: Why is distilled water alkaline?
Post by: Bored chemist on 07/09/2009 19:41:33

The likely answer is that it's dissolving sodium silicate from the glassware.
Pure water rapidly becomes slightly acidic in air because it picks up CO2.