Applications of Titration in Chemistry
Introduction
Titration is a technique used in analytical chemistry to determine the concentration of a known reactant (analyte) by reacting it with a known concentration of another reactant (titrant). The reaction is carried out until the equivalence point is reached, at which point the moles of titrant added are equal to the moles of analyte present.Basic Concepts
Equivalence point:The point at which the moles of titrant added are equal to the moles of analyte present. Titration curve: A graph plotting the change in the pH or other property of the solution as a function of the volume of titrant added.End point:* The point at which the indicator changes color, indicating that the equivalence point has been reached.
Equipment and Techniques
Burette:A graduated cylinder used to deliver a known volume of titrant. Pipette: A device used to deliver a known volume of analyte.Indicator:A substance that changes color at or near the equivalence point. Titration procedure:
Fill the burette with the titrant solution. Add the analyte solution to the titration flask.
Add a few drops of indicator to the analyte solution. Slowly add the titrant solution to the analyte solution, swirling constantly.
* Stop adding titrant when the indicator changes color.
Types of Experiments
Acid-base titrations:Determine the concentration of an acid or base by reacting it with a base or acid of known concentration. Redox titrations: Determine the concentration of an oxidizing or reducing agent by reacting it with a reducing or oxidizing agent of known concentration.Complexometric titrations:* Determine the concentration of a metal ion by reacting it with a chelating agent of known concentration.
Data Analysis
Calculate the moles of titrant used:Volume of titrant added × Molarity of titrant Calculate the moles of analyte: Moles of titrant × Stoichiometric ratioCalculate the concentration of analyte:* Moles of analyte / Volume of analyte
Applications
Quantitative analysis:Determine the concentration of a substance in a sample. Determine the stoichiometry of a reaction: Determine the mole ratio of reactants in a chemical reaction.Quality control:Ensure that products meet specifications. Environmental analysis: Monitor the concentration of pollutants in the environment.