Titrimetric Methods of Analysis Experiment: Acid-Base Titration
Objective:
To experimentally determine the concentration of an unknown acid solution using a standardized base solution through a neutralization reaction and observe the change in pH during the titration process.
Materials:
- Burette
- Pipette
- Erlenmeyer flask or beaker
- pH meter or pH paper
- Phenolphthalein indicator
- Standardized base solution (e.g., NaOH or KOH)
- Unknown acid solution
- Distilled water
Procedure:
1. Preparation of the Unknown Acid Solution:
- Accurately measure a known volume (e.g., 25 mL) of the unknown acid solution using a pipette.
- Transfer the acid solution to an Erlenmeyer flask or beaker.
2. Standardization of the Base Solution (optional):
- If the base solution is not already standardized, it is necessary to determine its exact concentration.
- Follow a separate experiment or procedure to standardize the base solution accurately.
3. Preparation of the Burette:
- Rinse the burette with distilled water to remove impurities.
- Fill the burette with the standardized base solution.
4. Titration Process:
- Add a few drops of phenolphthalein indicator to the unknown acid solution in the flask.
- Slowly add the base solution from the burette to the flask while swirling continuously.
- Observe the color change of the indicator.
5. Endpoint Determination:
- Continue adding the base solution until the color change of the indicator becomes permanent.
- This indicates the equivalence point, which is the point at which the acid and base have completely neutralized each other.
6. Measuring the Volume of Base:
- Note the volume of the base solution used from the initial reading on the burette.
- This volume represents the amount of base required to neutralize the unknown acid.
7. Calculation of Unknown Acid Concentration:
- Use the formula:
M1V1 = M2V2
- Where:
- M1 is the concentration of the standardized base solution (known)
- V1 is the volume of the standardized base solution used (measured)
- M2 is the concentration of the unknown acid solution (unknown)
- V2 is the volume of the unknown acid solution (known)
- Rearrange the formula to solve for M2:
M2 = (M1V1) / V2
Data Analysis and Discussion:
1. Calculate the concentration of the unknown acid solution using the formula mentioned above.
2. Compare the calculated concentration with the expected or known concentration (if available) to assess the accuracy of the experiment.
3. Observe the pH changes during the titration process.
- Plot a graph of pH vs. volume of base added.
- Identify the equivalence point on the graph and compare it with the observed endpoint.
- Discuss the relationship between pH and the progress of the titration.
4. Evaluate the limitations and sources of error in the experiment.
Significance:
Titrimetric methods of analysis, such as acid-base titration, are commonly used in chemistry and various fields to determine the concentration of unknown solutions accurately. They provide a practical and relatively simple way to quantify the amount of a substance present in a sample. This experiment showcases the principles and procedures involved in titrimetric analysis and highlights the importance of standardization and endpoint determination in achieving reliable results.