Concept:
A buffer solution is a solution that resists changes in pH when small amounts of an acid or a base are added to it. There are two primary types:
• Acidic Buffer: A weak acid and its salt with a strong base (e.g., $CH_3COOH + CH_3COONa$).
• Basic Buffer: A weak base and its salt with a strong acid (e.g., $NH_4OH + NH_4Cl$).
Step 1: Evaluate each option.
• Option A: $CH_3COONa$ (Salt) & $NaOH$ (Strong Base). This is not a buffer because $NaOH$ is a strong base.
• Option B: $CH_3COONH_4$ (Salt of weak acid/weak base) & $NH_4Cl$ (Salt). This pair does not contain a weak acid or weak base component.
• Option C: $NH_4OH$ (Weak Base) & $NH_4Cl$ (Salt of weak base with strong acid $HCl$). This matches the definition of a Basic Buffer.
• Option D: $CH_3COONa$ (Salt) & $HCl$ (Strong Acid). While they can react to form a buffer if $CH_3COONa$ is in excess, as a simple pair, they do not constitute the standard buffer components.
Step 2: Conclusion.
The pair in Option C consists of a weak base ($NH_4OH$) and its conjugate salt ($NH_4Cl$), which perfectly forms a basic buffer solution.