Preparation of sodium hydroxide solutions.

1. To prepare an approximate 1 molar solution of sodium hydroxide -

o dissolve 40 gm (1 mole) of NaOH (sodium hydroxide) in 1 L of distilled water

It is more convenient to prepare an approximate NaOH solution at

approximately 1 M strength, as 40 g of NaOH is a convenient quantity to
weigh.

Note: Only an approximate concentration of NaOH soln. can be prepared,

which will then have to be standardised.

2. To prepare a 0.1M NaOH solution. -

o Dilute a standardised 1.0 M NaOH solution by a factor of 10

o or, Dilute a non standardised 1.0 M NaOH solution by a factor of 10 and then
standardise.
o or, dissolve 4 gm NaOH in 1 L of distilled water (a less accurate option also
requiring standardisation)

It is more convenient to prepare and store an approximate NaOH solution at ~ 0.1 M

strength, as -

o this is the concentration used in the determination of juice and wine's titratable
acidity.
o 0.1 M NaOH soln. is more stable then the weaker 0.01 M NaOH soln.
o the 0.1 M NaOH soln. can then be simply diluted down by a factor of ten to a
0.01 M NaOH solution and used in SO2 analysis.

3. To prepare a 0.01M NaOH solution -

o Dilute a standardised 0.1 M NaOH solution by a factor of 10

o or, Dilute a non standardised 0.1 M NaOH solution by a factor of 10 and then
standardise.
o or, dissolve 0.4 gm NaOH in 1 L of distilled water (a less accurate option also
requiring standardisation)

All prepared and standardised NaOH solutions should be protected from the air as
much as possible by -

o pouring your 1L of 0.1M NaOH in four 250mL bottles.

o Sealing the bottles when not in use.
 o Re-standardise your NaOH soln. once a month or more frequently depending
on exposure.
o Alternatively, using a burette, reservoir combination fitted with soda lime
tubes, requiring less frequent standardisation.

Note: the 0.01M NaOH solution used in the determination of SO2 should be prepared
fresh, daily, as its low strength makes it subject to a higher percentage deterioration
on air exposure (see NaOH).