Determination of Vitamin C in Vitamin Tablets by Redox Titration

Aim
To determine the percentage by mass of vitamin C in a vitamin tablet.

Background Information
Titration is a technique used in analytical chemistry to estimate the concentration of an unknown
solution by measuring the volume of a known concentration solution (the titrant) added to the unknown
solution until the reaction is completed (What is a titration). This is usually performed by using a buret to
measure the amount of titrant added and an indicator to confirm when the reaction has reached its
endpoint. (The Editors of Encyclopaedia). The type of titration used is redox reactions, while other types
are also used. The titrant (typically a solution with a known concentration of a potent oxidizing agent) is
added to an unknown solution that also contains a reducing agent in a redox titration(Chemistry
Dictionary). When the oxidizing and reducing agents are at stoichiometric proportions, a color-changing
indicator indicates that the titration has reached its endpoint.(Chemistry Dictionary).
The purpose of the lab is to determine the mass proportion of vitamin C in a vitamin pill. This is
accomplished by completing a titration and calculating the concentration of vitamin C using the balanced
equation of the reaction that occurs during the titration and stoichiometry.
​ Ascorbic acid, another name for vitamin C, is a water-soluble vitamin that is crucial for human
nutrition and health (Vitamin C). Glucose can be used to make vitamin C, or it can be obtained naturally
from foods like fruits and vegetables (Vitamin C). A lack of vitamin C can cause a multitude of health
issues, including hepatitis, which is characterized by symptoms like:
● Fatigue
● muscle weakness
● bleeding gums.
Vitamin C is an essential ingredient for human health (Johnson).

Vitamin C titration is a method used to determine the amount of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in a sample.
The method is based on the fact that vitamin C acts as a reducing agent and will react with iodine to form
iodide ions. The reaction can be represented by the following equation:

C6H8O6 (aq) + I2(aq) → C6H6O6(aq) + 2I-(aq) + 2H+(aq)

In this equation, ascorbic acid (C6H8O6 (aq)) and iodine (I2(aq)) react to form dehydroascorbic acid
(C6H6O6(aq)) and iodide ions (I-(aq)). The reaction also produces hydrogen ions (H+(aq)), which can be
ignored in this case as they are not involved in the stoichiometry of the reaction.
 During the titration, a measured volume of iodine solution is added to a known mass or volume of
ascorbic acid. The endpoint of the titration is typically reached when all the ascorbic acid is consumed
and all the iodine is converted to iodide. The volume of iodine solution added at the endpoint is used to
calculate the number of moles of ascorbic acid present in the sample and thus the mass percentage of
ascorbic acid.

Independent Variable

Independent Variable

Variable How It Will Be Measured Why is it an Independent Variable

The mass of the vitamin tablet Before and after the titration will The experimenter can also modify it. The
be measured with a balance. amount of ascorbic acid in the vitamin
tablet is determined by its mass, which
impacts the stoichiometry of the reaction.

Dependent Variable

Dependent Variable

Variable How It Will Be Measured Why is it a Dependent Variable

The mass percentage of vitamin C in the
vitamin tablet
The mass percentage of vitamin
C will be calculated based on the
mass of the vitamin tablet, the
volume of iodine consumed, and
the concentration of the standard
solution.
The concentration of the standard ascorbic
acid solution and the mass of the vitamin
tablet. The mass percentage of vitamin C
is estimated by multiplying the amount of
ascorbic acid in the sample by the mass of
the vitamin pill..

Controlled Variables

Variable
Amount of Indicator Used
The concentration of iodine solution
All Measuring Tools
Materials and Equipment
Equipment:
● 1x small scale ± 0.01 g
● 1x dropper
● 1x stand and clamp for buret
● 1x small funnel (to fit in buret)
● 1x 50ml/cm3 buret ± 0.1 cm3
● 1x 125ml/cm3 conical flask ± 6.25 cm3
● 1x 100 ml/cm3 volumetric flask ± 0.08 cm3
● 1x pair of safety goggles/safety glasses
● 1x paper
● 1x pair of gloves
● 1x lab coat that extends to the knees
● Few sheets of paper towel (to clean conical flask)
Controlled Variables
How It Will Be Controlled Why is it a Controlled Variable
Only a certain number of drops It is controlled because it ensures that a
will be used. consistent and precise amount of indicator
is used in order to get accurate and
Only 3 drops will be placed in consistent results.
the 125cm3 conical flask in each
trial using a dropper
By keeping the concentration of Keeping the concentration of the iodine
the iodine solution constant solution constant throughout the
throughout the trials. experiment ensures that the reaction
between the ascorbic acid and iodine is
consistent. This allows for accurate and
reliable results in determining the mass
percentage of vitamin C in the vitamin
tablet.
The same measuring tools will Using the same measuring tools
be utilized throughout each of throughout the experiment ensures
the trials. consistency and accuracy in the
measurements.
Materials
● 40ml/cm3 sodium thiosulfate solution with a
concentration of 0.100 mol dm-3
● 1x Vitamin C Tablet
● 10 cm3 starch solution
● 160 cm3 iodine solution with a concentration of
0.05 mol dm-3
● Distilled water
● 1x 10ml/cm3 pipette ± 0.04 cm3
● 1x 80ml/cm3 beaker ± 4.00 cm3

Procedure
1. Ensure all the safety considerations are being followed. Wear the appropriate protective pieces of
equipment(safety goggles, lab coats, and gloves)
2. In a notebook or paper have a table ready to input the data, by recording the initial and final
readings, and calculating the difference. Note to make to tables, one for sections A and B.
3. Gather all the necessary equipment and materials. (vitamin C tablets, iodine solution, conical
flask, volumetric flask, sodium thiosulfate solutions, balance)
4. Set up the buret on the stand attached to the clamp as shown in Figure 1. Make sure there is space
in between the buret and conical flask

Figure 1 - Image of buret on a stand attached to the clamp, with conical flask below.

Section A - To standardize the iodine solution.

5. Pour the 0.05 mol dm-3 iodine solution into a beaker, then place the funnel on top of the buret.
Pour from the beaker into the buret until the solution has reached the 0 cm3 mark. Refill the
beaker if needed. Make sure the buret is at eye level.
6. Pipet 10.0 cm3 of the 0.100 mol dm3 sodium thiosulfate solution and add 3 drops of the starch
with the dropper into the 125cm3 conical flask.
7. Place the 125cm3 conical flask. perfectly under the buret ensuring every drop coming in from the
buret lands in the conical flask.
8. Carefully open the buret by twisting the stopcock at the bottom until the drops start to drop
slowly.
9. Titrate while gently hand-swirling the conical flask as the iodine solution slowly pours into the
flask until one drop causes the blue-black color to remain permanently.
10. Record the data. The initial, the final and the volume used.
Volume Used = Final Reading - Initial Reading
 11. Carefully remove the conical flask from under the buret and dilute the substance in the flask with
water before pouring it into the sink. Use distilled water to clean it thoroughly and use tissue
paper to dry it.
12. Repeat steps 5 - 11 until obtaining two accurate results that are 0.1cm3 apart.

Note that the trials are only for Section A

Section B - To determine the percentage of vitamin C.

13. Title the second table Vitamin C titration.
14. Measure and record the mass of a vitamin C tablet on the scare to the nearest tenth-degree, ± 0.01
g.
15. Measure approximately 50 cm3 of distilled water in an 80 cm3 beaker and dissolve the tablet in
the beaker.
16. Once fully dissolved, Transfer the solution and all the washings into a 100 cm3 volumetric flask
and mark up to the mark with distilled water.
17. Pipette a 10.0 cm3 aliquot of this solution from the 100 cm3 volumetric flask into the 125 cm3
conical flask and add a few drops of freshly prepared starch solution.
18. Repeat step 5, as the iodine solution will still be used in the section.
19. Repeat steps 5 - 11 until obtaining two accurate results that are 0.1cm3 apart.

Safety Considerations
- Wear the appropriate protective pieces of equipment such as safety goggles, and lab coats.
- Ascorbic acid and iodine are both corrosive and toxic, so handle them with care and avoid contact
with skin and eyes.
- If contact with skin or eyes occurs, immediately flush the area with plenty of water for at least 15
minutes.
- Follow the proper disposal procedures for chemical waste and broken glassware.
- Follow good laboratory practices and keep the work area clean and organized.

Environmental Care
- Ascorbic acid: Ascorbic acid is not considered to be hazardous, it can be disposed of in the
regular trash.
- Iodine: Iodine solutions are considered hazardous and should be diluted then disposed of in the
sink diluting
- Indicator: The starch-iodine indicator can be disposed of in the regular trash or by neutralizing it
with sodium thiosulfate before disposing of it in the drain with water.
- Vitamin tablet: The vitamin tablet can be disposed of in the regular trash.

Raw Data
A. Qualitative Data
a. Vitamin C v. Distilled Water - The tablet was pill shaped with an orange-whitish color.
When mixed in distilled water, bubbles start appearing and a fizzing sound occurs
indicating a reaction had taken place
 b. Initial Colors Before Titration - The color of the vitamin C solution before titration
would be a clear or slightly yellowish liquid. The starch-iodine indicator added to the
solution would not affect the color of the solution before titration. As for the sodium
thiosulfate, it would be clear.
c. Final Colors After Titration - It is important to note that the iodine solution is colorless,
thus the color change will be caused by the interaction of iodine with the starch-iodine
indicator. The colors changed as the iodine reacted with the vitamin C present in the
solution. The endpoint of the titration was be indicated by the appearance of a permanent
blue-black color.
B. Raw Data Table

Titration of Sodium Thiosulfate, Na2S2O3(aq), with Iodine I2

Buret Reading
Trials Volume Used Average
Initial Final

1 0.00 13.40 13.40 𝑉𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑛 =

13.40+13.50+13.60
3.00

2 13.40 26.90 13.50

𝑉𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑛 = 13. 50
3 0.00 13.60 13.60
Table 2: Titration of Sodium Thiosulfate Na2S2O3(aq) with Iodine I2

Titration of Vitamin C, C6H8O6 (aq), with Iodine I2

Buret Reading
Trials Volume Used Average
Initial Final

1 0.00 15.40 15.40 𝑉𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑛 =

15.40+15.50+15.60
3.00

2 15.40 30.90 15.50

𝑉𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑛 = 15. 50
3 30.90 46.50 15.60
Table 3: Titration of Vitamin C C6H8O6 (aq) with Iodine I2

Calculations
Variables:
- n → mol
 −1
- Mr → Molar mass in 𝑔 𝑚𝑜𝑙
−3
- C → Concentration in mol 𝑑𝑚
- m → Mass in g
3
- V → Volume in 𝑑𝑚

Section A Calculations
I2(aq) + 2Na2S2O3(aq) → 2NaI(aq) + Na2S4O6
1. Amount (in mol) of sodium thiosulfate, Na2S2O3(aq), in 10.0 cm3 of 0.100 mol dm-3.

3 −3 3 3
𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑁𝑎2𝑆2𝑂3(𝑎𝑞) = 10𝑐𝑚 · 10𝑑𝑚 =. 01𝑑𝑚 ±. 00004𝑑𝑚

−3 −3
𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑜𝑙 𝑑𝑚 = 0. 100 𝑚𝑜𝑙 𝑑𝑚

𝐴𝑚𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡(𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑜𝑙) 𝑁𝑎2𝑆2𝑂3(𝑎𝑞) (𝑛) = 𝐶𝑉

𝑛 = 0. 100 ·. 01

−3
𝑛 = 0. 001𝑚𝑜𝑙 ± 0. 00004𝑑𝑚

2. Amount of iodine (in mol) in the average volume of I2(aq) used in the titration with Na2S2O3(aq).

0.001
𝑀𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜 𝑜𝑓 𝐼2: 2𝑁𝑎2𝑆2𝑂3 → 1: 2 → 2

0.001 −3
2
= 0. 0005𝑚𝑜𝑙 ± 0. 00004𝑑𝑚 → ± 8. 00%

3. Determine the concentration (in mol dm-3) of the iodine solution.

13.40+13.50+13.60
𝑉𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑛 = 3.00
3
𝑉𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑛 = 13. 50 ± 0. 10𝑐𝑚
3 3 3 3
𝑉𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑛 𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑚 = 13. 50 · 10𝑑𝑚 = 0. 01350𝑑𝑚 ± 0. 00010𝑑𝑚 → 0. 7%
𝑛
𝐶= 𝑉𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑛
0.0005
𝐶= 0.01350
= 0. 0370𝑀 ± 8. 70%

Section B Calculations
 I2(aq) + C6H8O6 (aq) → C6H6O6 (aq) + 2I(aq) + 2H(aq)
1. Amount of iodine (in mol) in the average volume used to react with the vitamin C solution.

15.40+15.50+15.60
𝑉𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝐼 = 3.00
3
𝑉𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑛 𝑜𝑓 = 15. 50 ± 0. 10𝑐𝑚
3 3 3 3
𝑉𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑛 𝑖𝑛 𝑑𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝐼 = 15. 50 · 10𝑑𝑚 = 0. 01550𝑑𝑚 ± 0. 00010𝑑𝑚 → 0. 6%
𝐶 = 0. 0370𝑀 ± 8. 70% from above.
𝑛 = 𝐶𝑉 = 0. 0370 · 0. 01550
𝑛 = 0. 0005735 ± 9. 30%
3
2. Amount of vitamin C in the 10.0 𝑐𝑚 aliquot of vitamin C solution

𝑀𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜 𝑜𝑓 𝐼2: 𝐶6𝐻8𝑂6 → 1: 1 → 0. 0005735: 0. 0005735

𝐴𝑚𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡 = 0. 0005735 ± 9. 30%

3. Amount of vitamin C present in the vitamin C tablet.

3
𝐴𝑚𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝐶 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 100 𝑐𝑚 𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝐶 𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 = 0. 0005735 · 10 = 0. 005735𝑚𝑜𝑙

Amount in Mass(g): m = nMr

𝑀𝑟(𝐶6𝐻8𝑂6) = (12. 01 · 6) + (1. 01 · 8) + (16. 00 · 6) = 176. 14𝑔/𝑚𝑜𝑙

𝑚 = 0. 005735 · 176. 14 = 1. 01𝑔 ± 9. 30%

4.

𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝑉𝑖𝑡 𝐶 = 0. 005735 · 176. 14 = 1. 01𝑔 ± 9. 30%

𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑡𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒𝑡 = 4. 54𝑔 ± 0. 01𝑔 → ± 2. 2%

𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑣𝑖𝑡 𝑐
𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑏𝑦 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 = 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑣𝑖𝑡 𝑡𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒𝑡
· 100

1.01
𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑏𝑦 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 = 4.54
· 100 = 22. 2% ± 11. 5%

Percent Error Percent Uncertainty

%𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 =
𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡−𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙
· 100 Section A
𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙
𝑎𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑒 𝑢𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑦
𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 22. 2 %𝑢𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑦 = 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑦
· 100
𝑈𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑦: 8. 0% + 0. 7% = 8. 7
𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 = 22. 2 0.001 −3
2
= 0. 0005𝑚𝑜𝑙 ± 0. 00004𝑑𝑚 → ± 8. 00%
22.2−22.2 3 3 3
%𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = 22.2
· 100 13. 50 · 10𝑑𝑚 = 0. 01350𝑑𝑚 ± 0. 00010𝑑𝑚 → 0. 7%

%𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = 0% Section B
𝑈𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑦: 9. 30% + 2. 2% = 11. 5
0. 005735 · 176. 14 = 1. 01𝑔 ± 9. 30%
4. 54𝑔 ± 0. 01𝑔 → ± 2. 2%

Conclusion & Evaluation

In this laboratory experiment, we determined the mass percentage of vitamin C in a vitamin tablet
using a titration method. The tablet was found to contain approximately 22.2% vitamin C. The results
were found to be in agreement with the labeled value of 22.2% vitamin C.

The experiment was performed three time to ensure accuracy, and the results were found to be
consistent with an average value of 22.2% vitamin C. However, there were some sources of error that may
have affected the accuracy of the results. The volume of the solutions used in the titration was measured
using a burette, which is known to have a margin of error of about 0.6%. Additionally, the mass of the
vitamin C tablet was measured using a balance, which also has a margin of error of about 2.2%. The
possibility of human error, such as misreading the volume or mass, should also be considered.

Another potential source of error could be the fact that the vitamin C tablet was crushed, which
may have led to some loss of vitamin C due to oxidation or evaporation. The experiment could be
improved by using a powdered vitamin C instead of a tablet, which would minimize the loss of vitamin C.

In addition, the iodine solution used in the titration was standardized before the experiment,
however, the concentration could change over time. This could affect the accuracy of the results obtained.
To minimize this error, it's important to use freshly prepared solutions or store the solutions properly.

Despite these sources of error, the results obtained in the experiment were in good agreement with
the labeled value, indicating that the experiment was successful in determining the mass percentage of
vitamin C in the vitamin tablet.

Extension
- Determining the effect of temperature on the vitamin C content: This experiment could study the
effect of temperature on the vitamin C content in a vitamin tablet by performing titration at
different temperatures and observing how it affects the reaction rate.
- Determining the vitamin C content in different types of fruits and vegetables: The same procedure
can be applied to determine the vitamin C content in different types of fruits and vegetables. This
can be a good way to compare the vitamin C content in different types of food.
- Compare the vitamin C content in different forms of vitamin C supplements: comparing vitamin
C content in different forms like chewable, tablets, capsules, etc.
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https://www.britannica.com/science/titration. Accessed 9 Jan. 2023.

​“Chemistry Dictionary.” Definition of Titration - Chemistry Dictionary,

https://www.chemicool.com/definition/titration.html. Accessed 9 Jan. 2023

Johnson, Larry E. “Vitamin C Deficiency - Disorders of Nutrition.” MSD Manual Consumer Version,

MSD Manuals, 14 Dec. 2022,

https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/disorders-of-nutrition/vitamins/vitamin-c-deficiency#:~:text

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