Acid-Base Titration
In a titration experiment, the aim is to determine the concentration of a substance in a
solution by reacting it with a solution of known concentration. The key objectives typically
include:
1. Determining Unknown Concentration: The primary aim is to find out the concentration of
the analyte (the substance being analysed) in the solution. This is done by adding a solution
of known concentration (the titrant) until the reaction between the analyte and the titrant is
complete.
2. Finding Endpoint: The endpoint is the point at which the reaction between the analyte and
titrant is complete. This is often indicated by a colour change (in the case of indicators) or a
sudden change in pH (in acid-base titrations). The aim is to identify this endpoint.
3. Calculating Concentration: Once the endpoint is reached, the volume and concentration of
the titrant used are recorded. From this information, along with the stoichiometry of the
reaction, the concentration of the analyte can be calculated using the principles of
stoichiometry and titration.
4. Ensuring Accuracy and Precision: Another aim is to conduct the experiment with accuracy
and precision to obtain reliable results. This involves careful measurement of volumes,
proper technique in carrying out the titration, and appropriate choice of indicators or
techniques to detect the endpoint.
5. Understanding Chemical Reactions: Beyond just determining concentrations, titration
experiments can also provide insights into chemical reactions, including reaction kinetics and
equilibrium. This deeper understanding is often a secondary aim of such experiments,
especially in educational or research settings.
In this article, we will walk you through the steps of performing a simple acid-base titration
using sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid. We will also discuss important safety
precautions to remember, such as wearing appropriate protective gear, handling chemicals
with care, and disposing of waste properly. Additionally, we will address environmental
concerns related to titration, including the safe disposal of chemical waste and glassware.
Following these guidelines, you can perform a titration safely and responsibly while
protecting yourself and the environment.
Aim
The purpose of this experiment is to determine the concentration of a solution of sodium
hydroxide by titration against a standard solution of sodium hydroxide.
Introduction
Hydrochloric acid is a monoprotic acid that produces one mole of hydrogen ions per mole of
the compound, we can simplify the formula to HA. This simple formula is often used to
represent an acid.
Sodium hydroxide reacts with hydrochloric acid according to the equation:
NaOH + HCl → NaCl + H2O
To show you when the reaction is complete – the stoichiometric point or equivalence point –
you use an indicator called phenolphthalein, which is colourless in acid and pink in alkaline
solution. The point at which the addition of one drop (or even less) of alkali changes the
solution from colourless to just faintly pink is called the endpoint and, in this case, shows that
the reaction is just complete.
Materials and chemicals
Personal protective equipment
Burette, 50 cm3
Beakers, 100 cm3
Sodium hydroxide solution, approx. 0.5 mol.dm3 NaOH (CORROSIVE)
Pipette, 25 cm3
Hydrochloric acid solution, 0.5 mol.dm3 (IRRITANT)
Conical flask, 250 cm3
Phenolphthalein indicator solution
White tile
Wash bottle
Distilled water
Procedure
1. Using the funnel, rinse the burette with the sodium hydroxide solution and fill it with the
same solution. Do not forget to rinse and fill the tip. Record the initial burette reading in
the ‘rough’ column of the Results Table.
2. Using a pipette filler, rinse the pipette with some of the Hydrochloric acid solution and
carefully transfer 25.0 cm3 of the solution to a clean 250 cm3 conical flask.
3. Add 2-3 drops of the phenolphthalein indicator solution.
4. Run sodium hydroxide solution from the burette swirling, until the solution turns pink.
5. Refill the burette with the sodium hydroxide solution, and again record the initial burette
reading to the nearest 0.05 cm3 (one drop).
6. Transfer 25.0 cm3 of the hydrochloric acid solution into a clean conical flask using a
pipette. Add 2-3 drops of the phenolphthalein indicator solution.
7. Carefully titrate this solution to the endpoint, adding the alkali drop by drop when you
think the colour is about to change.
8. Repeat steps 5, 6, and 7 at least twice or more.
9. Empty the burette and wash it carefully immediately after the titration, especially if it has
a ground glass tap.
You should record burette readings to the nearest 0.05 cm3 (approximately one drop).
Consecutive titrations should agree to within 0.10 cm3 and, strictly, you should repeat the
titration until this is achieved. However, you may not have the time or the materials to do
this. Practice and your technique will improve.
Calculate the mean of the two (preferably three) consecutive readings and quote this to the
nearest 0.05 cm3.
Note that this does not introduce a fourth significant figure; it merely makes the third figure
more reliable.
Preparation of 0.5 M sodium hydroxide in 1.0 L
Let the mass of NaOH = x
0.5 M = 0.5 moles NaOH/L
[ x g / 1.0 L] x [ 1.0 mol NaOH / 40.0 g NaOH] = 0.5 moles NaOH/L
x = 0.5 (40.0) (1.0)
x = 20.0 g
Preparation of 0.5 M hydrochloric acid in 1.0 L
Let the volume of HCL = x
x mL = Volume (to be prepared) x M x Mw x 100/d x % of concentrated acid
x = 1.0 L x 0.5M x 36.5 x [100/d x 32%]
x = 57.03/d mL
x = 57.03/1.19 mL
x = 47.93 mL
Measure 11.4/density of the 32% HCl stock solution (47.93 mL) and transfer it to a 1000 mL
volumetric flask. Complete with water to the mark. The density of the 32% HCl solution is
1.19.
