Is a weak acid on (its own) a buffer?

When text books explain how a weak acid buffer opposes the effect of the addition of an alkali they tend to refer to how the alkali reacts with and removes H+ ions but then the weak acid deprotonates to replenish these H+ ions (Le Chatalier's principle). This explanation does not rely on or require the salt of the weak acid!



Put simply: Would a weak acid solution (without its corresponding salt) act as a buffer opposing a change in pH on addition of an alkali?Is a weak acid on (its own) a buffer?
It would oppose a change in pH on the addition of an alkali. However, a real buffer is supposed to resist all changes in pH, in response to the addition of acid also. The above is NOT an actual buffer; you need the weak acid AND it's conjugate base to be able to buffer a solution. It is an BUFFERING AGENT, A buffering agent is used to adjust or stabilize an acidic or basic solution, by CHANGING it's pH. On the other hand a buffer solution MAINTAINS the pH of the solution.Is a weak acid on (its own) a buffer?
weak acid %26amp; weak base salts are buffers....not a weak acid acts as a buffer ........ neutralization theory explains this
Have to agree with a previous post. It would oppose the change of pH when adding alkali, but there will simply not be enough of the conjugate base present (because the acid is weak!) to oppose a change in pH when acid is added.