What is the primary use of buffers in chemical solutions?

Buffers are primarily used to maintain stable pH levels in chemical solutions. They accomplish this by resisting changes in pH when small amounts of an acid or base are added to the solution. Buffers typically consist of a weak acid and its corresponding conjugate base (or vice versa), which work together to neutralize added acids or bases. This property is vital in various biological and chemical systems, where even slight changes in pH can lead to significant consequences.

For example, in biological systems, buffers help regulate the pH of blood and cellular environments, ensuring that metabolic processes occur under optimal conditions. Without buffers, the pH of these systems could fluctuate dramatically, leading to detrimental effects on physiological processes. Hence, using buffers is crucial in maintaining the necessary pH stability for chemical reactions and biological activity.