Volumetric Analysis

A quantitative technique used to

analyse solutions using volumes of
solutions.
…involves the addition
of a standard solution
(from a burette) to a
known volume (in a
conical flask)

…process is known as
“titration”
 Titration
A titration is a method of analysis that will allow
you to determine the precise endpoint of a
reaction and therefore the precise quantity of
reactant in the titration (conical) flask.

A burette is used to deliver the second reactant

to the flask and an indicator or pH Meter is
used to detect the endpoint of the reaction.
Burette (50 cm3 capacity)
 Rinse burette with distilled
water, then twice with 10 ml
portions of the solution you
intend to put into it.

Remember to flush the jet of
the burette with the solution as
well

Fill up the burette with the help
of a filter funnel, removing it
after use.
 Ensure no air bubbles are
trapped in the jet.
 Nearer the end-point, the liquid
should be delivered drop-by-
drop.
Pipette (10.0, 20.0, 25.0 cm3 capacity)
 Rinse pipette with distilled water, then twice with a little
of the solution you intend to put into it.

Fill up the pipette using the pipette filler.

If air bubbles are present, restart.
 Hold vertically. Once pipette is filled up, quickly, remove
the pipette filler and put your index finger on the end of
the pipette. Gently release the seal made by your finger
until the level of the solution meniscus exactly lines up
with the mark on the pipette. Practice this with water until
you are able to use the pipette and filler consistently and
accurately.
 Let the liquid drain from the pipette into the conical flask.
 Dip the tip of the pipette into the solution (in the conical
flask) to release the last bit of liquid – do not blow out.
Conical flask
 Should be washed clean and
must be rinsed with
distilled water (twice).

Need not be dry, distilled
water does not affect the
number of moles of
substance in the flask.

Place a white tile or a sheet
of white paper under the
conical flask so that colour
changes can easily be seen.
 Swirl the contents in the
conical flask while
dispensing the liquid from
the burette – this takes a bit
of skill. Right-handed students: Right hand – conical flask
Left hand – burette tap
 Indicators

Colour in Colour in Colour in

Indicator acidic “neutral” alkaline
solution solution solution
Methyl orange Red/Pink Peach- Yellow
Orange
Screened- Magenta Grey Green
methyl orange
Phenolphthalein Colourless Pale pink Red
 Very rough titration
– do it fast!
Recording Titration values

Titration 1 2 3
number
Final 27.5 26.2 36.2
reading/cm3
Initial 0.0 0.0 10.1
reading/cm3
Volume of P 27.5 26.2 26.1
used/cm3
Best titration √ √
results(√)
Average volume of P used for titration is

26.2 + 26.1 ÷ 2 = 26.15 cm3