Answer:
Formic acid
Sodium formiate
Explanation:
To determine acid or base that can generate a buffer solution with pH around 3.5, we have to think in the acid whose pKa = pH.
Although we have to also think in buffer capacity, a measure which can cause a change of 1 pH unit in 1 L of solution.
Buffer capacity does not only depend on the concentration of its components but also of the relationship between that concentrations.
When pH = pKa, buffer capacity is maximum which means that the concentration of conjugated species is the same and the ability to oppose pH changes is maximum.
One example with pH = pKa or nearly if:
COOH⁻ + Na⁺ → NaCOOH
HCOOH + H₂O → COOH⁻ + H₃O⁺ Ka: 1.8×10⁻⁴
pKa = 3.74
