Acoustic absorption in aqueous potassium phosphate

Measurements of acoustic absorption and velocity as a function of frequency and concentration in KH₂PO₄–K₂HPO₄ buffers at 4°C and pH 5-7 are reported. The dependence of the observed acoustic relaxation parameters on concentration is consistent with that to be expected from perturbation of a monomer-dimer equilibrium with an equilibrium constant [for 2H₂PO₄^–(H₂PO₄)₂^2–] of 0.21 M^–1, a bimolecular rate constant of 5×10⁸ M^–1-sec^–1 and a standard volume change of –5 cm³ mole. The equilibrium constant for H₂PO₄^–+ HPO₄^2–H₃(PO₄)₂^3– is estimated to be 0.7 M^–1.