Acid-Base Titrations

In acid-base titrations, the concentration of a particular substance is determined by titrating it against a solution of known concentration. By using an indicator which helps to locate the end point, or point of neutralization, the volume of a particular solution needed to neutralize the other is determined and hence the concentration of the other can be determined. There are several indicators; Phenolphthalein, which is pink in basic medium and colorless in acidic medium Methyl Orange, which is yellow in basic medium and pink in acidic medium

Phenolphthalein is suited for reactions involving strong alkalis, while methyl orange is suited for those using weak alkalis.

2-3 Drops of indicator added

Koustav Pal

General Steps
A clean burette is taken, where it is rinsed with the given alkali, it is then clamped into place. The pipette is rinsed with the acid solution, and a known volume is then pipette into the titration flask, where 1-2 drops of the indicator are added via glass dropper into the conical flask. It is then titrated, stirring the mixture, and then when the color change is noted, the burette flow is stopped, and the lower meniscus is read to see the volume of alkali titrated. This is repeated until concordant readings are obtained. Ex. For the titration of Oxalic Acid against NaOH

S. No 1 2 3 4

Initial Burette Reading 0 20.0 0 21.0

Final Burette Reading 21 41.5 21.0 42.6

Volume of NaOH solution used 20 21.5 21.0 21.6

Hence the average volume is determined, which can thenbe used to calculate the strength of the sodium hydroxide solution, which is 80/x gdm-3

Koustav Pal