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Acid or Alkali? Is this a valid reaction in a biological system?

Is this a valid reaction in a biological system that can make the claim for making the blood more alkali ?

H2O + NaCl + CO2 --> HCl + NaHCO3-

It would seem to me that both acid (HCl) and alkali  (HCO3-) are produced so the end product would be neutral. Your thoughts?

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WayneCook
New Contributor III

Re: Acid or Alkali? Is this a valid reaction in a biological system?

I do not believe this is possible.  CO2 dissolved in water will produce carbonic acid.  Excess CO2 in the blood leads to respiratory acidosis.  It does not follow that a weak acid like H2CO3 would form a stronger acid like HCl in the presence of a base.


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