Application of Potentiometric titration in Pharmacy

Potentiometric titration is a quantitative analytical technique used to

determine the concentration of a substance in a solution. It relies on
measuring the electrical potential difference between a reference
electrode and a measuring electrode as a reaction occurs during a
titration process.
The overall cell potential can be calculated using the formula given
below:
Where the potential drop between the indicator and reference
electrodes over the electrolyte solution is given by Esol.
The overall cell potential, Ecell is calculated in every interval where the
titrant is measured and added. Now, a graph is plotted with the
Potential difference on the Y-axis and the volume on the X-axis as
shown below.
It can be observed from the graph that the electric potential of the cell
is dependent on the concentration of ions which are in contact with the
indicator electrode. Therefore, the Ecell is measured with each addition
of the titrant.

There are four types of titration that fall under the category of
potentiometric titration, namely
1. Acid-base titration,
2. Redox titration,
3. Complexometric titration, and
4. Precipitation titration.
1. Acid-Base Titration: This type of potentiometric titration is used
to determine the concentration of a given acid/base by
neutralizing it exactly using a standard solution of base/acid
whose concentration is known. Titration of HCl with NaOH can be
done by potentiometric titration. This concentration of a given
acid/base is determined by using a standard solution.
2. Redox Titration: This type of potentiometric titration involves an
analyte and titrant that undergo a redox reaction. An example of
this type of titration would be the treatment of an iodine solution
with a reducing agent which produces iodide ion (a starch
indicator is used to get the endpoint). Potentiometric titration was
first used for redox titration by Crotogino. He titrated halide ions
with KMnO4 using a platinum electrode and calomel electrode.
3. Complexometric Titration: This type of titration can also be
referred to as chelatometry. In this method, a coloured complex is
formed, indicating the end point of the titration. This method is
used to determine a mixture of metal ions in a given solution. In
 this type of potentiometric titration concentration of metal ions
are determined in the analyte. In this membrane, electrodes are
used.
4. Precipitation Titration: This type of titration involves a reaction
between the given analyte and the titrant wherein an
insoluble precipitate is formed. The end-point of this titration is
noted when the addition of the titrant no longer forms a
precipitate.

Application of Pharmacy:
A. Acid-Base Titrations:

1. Determination of Drug Acidity or Basicity: Potentiometric titration

is used to determine the acidic or basic properties of
pharmaceutical substances. This information is crucial in
formulating drugs with specific pH requirements for optimal
stability and efficacy.

2. Assessing Buffering Capacity in Pharmaceutical Formulations: It

helps in evaluating and adjusting the buffering capacity of
pharmaceutical formulations, ensuring that drugs remain stable
within the desired pH range.
B. Oxidation-Reduction Titrations:

1. Measuring Antioxidants or Oxygen-Sensitive Compounds:

Potentiometric titration assists in quantifying antioxidants or
assessing the sensitivity of compounds to oxygen-induced
degradation. This is vital in determining the stability and shelf life
of pharmaceuticals.
 2. Assessing Oxidative Reactions in Pharmaceuticals: It enables the
monitoring and quantification of oxidative reactions within
pharmaceutical compounds, ensuring the quality and integrity of
the final drug product.
C. Complexometric Titrations:

1. Determination of Metal Ions in Drug Formulations: Potentiometric

titration is utilized to quantify metal ions in pharmaceuticals. This
is crucial in ensuring that metal contaminants are within
acceptable limits.

2. Assessing Chelating Agents' Efficiency: It helps in evaluating the

effectiveness of chelating agents in complexing and removing
metal ions, thereby contributing to the overall stability and safety
of pharmaceutical products.
D. Non-Aqueous Titration:

1. Determining Drugs Insoluble in Water: Potentiometric titration is

valuable in analyzing drugs that are insoluble in water, allowing
for accurate determination of their concentrations and purity.

2. Evaluating Lipophilic Substances in Pharmaceuticals: It aids in

evaluating lipophilic (fat-soluble) substances in pharmaceutical
formulations, providing crucial insights into their composition and
concentration.

Importance Of potentiometric titration in Pharmacy:

A. Drug Formulation:

a) Determination of Drug Purity and Concentration:

Potentiometric titration is crucial in assessing the purity and

concentration of pharmaceutical substances. It helps pharmaceutical
companies ensure that the ingredients used in drug formulations meet
specific quality standards.

b) Quality Control in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing:

Potentiometric titration plays a significant role in quality control during

the manufacturing process. It enables precise measurements of
ingredients, ensuring consistency and reliability in drug production.

B. Drug Stability Studies:

a) Assessing Stability Under Various Conditions:

In pharmaceuticals, stability is a critical factor. Potentiometric titration

helps in studying how drugs react under different environmental
conditions (e.g., temperature, pH), aiding in the determination of the
ideal storage conditions and shelf life of medications.

c) Monitoring Degradation and Shelf Life of Pharmaceuticals:

By monitoring the degradation of drugs over time, potentiometric

titration assists in establishing expiration dates and determining the
shelf life of pharmaceutical products.