Titration - Definition and their Types, Example, FAQs

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Define Titration?

Titration definition: Titration is a technique that is used to determine concentration. It is the technique that is used in analytical chemistry where the determination of concentration of unknown solution can be done with the help of known solution. Solution having known concentration are termed as titrant, on the other hand unknown concentration are termed as analyte.

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Define Titration?
What is Titration?
What is Titration in Chemistry?
Complexometric titrations:
Types of Complexometric titrations:
Applications of complexometric titration:
Redox titration:
Precipitation titration:
What is standardization in chemistry?

Titration can be defined as adding the definite known proportion of another sample in the given unknown sample of different constituents to react with each other in a definite amount. This process can be conducted by gradually adding the other standard solution; such a type of chemical reaction is called titration. With the help of this we can usually find out the concentration of other unknown constituents.

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What is Titration?

Titration can be defined as the slow process of addition of one solution to any known concentration that is called titrator or titrant to a specified volume of another unknown solution concentration which is termed as titrand or analyte. The reaction continues until it reaches to neutralize the reaction, which can be seen by change in colour. The reaction can be analysed until some equivalence point is not reached.

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The standard solution of titration: This is the known concentration solution, which can be added to other unknown solution during titration

The analyte: This is the unknown concentration of the solution, which can be added in order to achieve the end or equivalence point during titration.

The equivalence point: This is the point where the reactants complete the reaction and no further change can be observed after reaching this point in titration. It can be shown with the help of moles of standard solution to the moles of unknown concentration.

The end point: It can be indicated by some form of indicator, when it is added to the equivalence point.

What is Titration in Chemistry?

It can be defined as a technique where the determination of unknown solutions can be done with the help of known concentration solutions. The main aim of the titration is to determine the equivalence point. The titrant is added with the help of burette.

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Types of Titration:

It is generally used in quantitative and volumetric analysis. The volumetric analysis can be done for estimation of different types of titration. The different types of titration can be classified as follows:

Acid-base titration
Complexometric titration
Redox titration
Precipitation titration

With the help of above-mentioned types of titration we can easily identify the unknown concentration of the solution quantitatively as well as volumetrically.

acid-base titration

Acid-base titrations:

This titration depends on the neutralization reactions that occur in between acid and base. Here the acid strength can be identified using standard solution, the process called acidimetry. The strength of the base can be found with the help of standard solution of an acid, which is called alkalimetry. The method is quantitative analysis which is used in examining the acid base concentration by neutralising them in a standard solution more precisely with acid or base with known concentration. With the help of pH indicator we can easily monitor the development of acid-base reaction.

Example: Acid+ Alkali salt=Water

The titration occurs between an acid or a base and analyte. In such acid-base titration, a known reagent is mixed in the sample, so that it further reaches the required pH solution. The pH indicator here used is not for the neutral solution but for equivalent points. The value of pH depends on the strength of acid or base either equal to seven or greater or lesser than seven. The end point of the acid-base titration may suffer from hydrolysis to some extent. The acids or bases are weak in nature, which affects the concentration of hydrogen ions in the solution.

The two generally used indicators in such titrations are Phenolphthalein and methyl orange.

Complexometric titrations:

At an equivalence point the undissociated complexes are being formed. No error can be detected in this type of titrations like as in precipitation titrations. Complexes are formed with the help of metal ions and ligands. Here the metal ions are Lewis acids whereas ligands are Lewis bases. Ligands are defined as electron-pair donors and they bond with metal ions to form coordinate covalent compounds.

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Ligands can be classified as follows:

Unidentate: Only a single side ligand is present to form a complex.

Example: Cyanide ion

Bidentate: In this, two side ligands are present.

Example: Glycine and oxalic acid

Multidentate: In this, two or three side ligands are present.

Example: EDTA

Types of Complexometric titrations:

Direct titration
Back titration
Displacement or substitution titration
Indirect titration
Alkalimetric titration
Miscellaneous titration

Applications of complexometric titration:

It can be used to determine the concentration of metal ions in a solution.
Used to determine the calcium present in food products.
Used to determine the concentration of bad metals in the environment.

Redox titration:

This titration is also known as oxidation-reduction reaction. In aqueous solution the electrons are transferred in the reaction. The titration are so named after the reagents, is as follows:

Permanent titrations
Dichromate titrations
Iodimetric or Iodometric titrations

Precipitation titration:

When the two substances are reacted to and brought into contact, so that insoluble precipitation forms, this titration is called precipitation titration. Examples of such reactions are when Cl is determined with the help of silver nitrate. Titrimetric analysis: This is the classical method where a solution of known concentration with suitable reagent when treated with suitable amount of reagents. This can help us in determining the substance in the solution. For the determination of the substance, the reagents are added till the equivalence amount of substance is not reached. Such analysis can be done with the help of two methods as follows:

Karl-Fischer titrator
Auto titrator

For titrimetric analysis it is to be kept in mind that the amount of substance which we have to determine react rapidly and completely with other reagents and should be fastly in stoichiometric proportion at the equivalence point. Acidimetry and Alkalimetry: The analysis through titrimetric can be carried out in the various types of reaction and it is basically seen in the neutralisation reaction. In the neutralisation reaction there is involvement of acids and bases. Here the solutions are standard in which acids(acidimetry) and bases(alkalimetry) are being used in these reactions. Concentration of the solution in titrimetric analysis can be quantitatively done with the help of molarity. Molarity is the number of moles that are dissolved in one litre of solution.

NCERT Chemistry Notes:

What is standardization in chemistry?

In titrimetric analysis the determination can be possible with the help of known concentration of the volume of the solution. This known concentration is accurate, and is called the standard solution. The standard solution will not react with the solvent in which it is dissolved as well as be stable at room temperature, it can directly be used in preparing the solutions.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What do you mean by Dichrometry?

The permanganometry and dichrometry are the two qualitative techniques that are used in qualitatively analysing in chemistry.The permanganates and dichromates are used in estimating the amount of unknown samples.

2. What is the major difference between acidimetry and alkalimetry?

The major difference between acidimetry and alkalimetry is, in acidimetry measurement of strength of acids whereas in case of alkalimetry measurement of strength of bases occur.

3. What are the basic four parts of titration apparatus?

The four basic parts are as follows:

Burette
White tile
pH indicator
Pipette

4. What is the main aim of acid-base titration?

To the concentration of acid base by neutralising the solution with an acid or a base with the help known concentration.

5. What are the uses of titration?

Titrations are used to identify the unknown concentration of acid or base.

6. How does the concept of equilibrium apply to titrations?

Equilibrium is fundamental to understanding titrations:

7. How do you choose the appropriate titration method for a given analysis?

Choosing the appropriate titration method depends on:

8. What are some common sources of error in titrations?

Common sources of error in titrations include:

9. What is a derivative titration curve and how is it useful?

A derivative titration curve is a plot of the rate of change of the measured property (e.g., pH) with respect to the volume of titrant added. It's obtained by taking the first derivative of the regular titration curve. Derivative curves are useful because:

10. How can you improve the precision of a titration?

To improve titration precision:

11. What is a complexometric titration?

A complexometric titration involves the formation of a complex between the analyte (usually a metal ion) and a complexing agent (ligand). The most common complexometric titrations use EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) as the titrant to determine the concentration of metal ions in solution.

12. What is a precipitation titration?

A precipitation titration involves the formation of an insoluble precipitate during the titration process. As the titrant is added, it reacts with the analyte to form a precipitate. The endpoint is reached when all of the analyte has been precipitated. This type of titration is often used in the determination of halides, such as chloride ions using silver nitrate as the titrant.

13. What are the main types of titrations?

The main types of titrations are:

14. How do you calculate the concentration of an analyte from titration data?

To calculate the concentration of an analyte:

15. When would you use a back titration?

Back titrations are useful when:

16. How does temperature affect titration results?

Temperature can affect titration results in several ways:

17. How does a redox titration differ from an acid-base titration?

In a redox titration, electrons are transferred between the analyte and titrant, whereas in an acid-base titration, protons are transferred. Redox titrations involve oxidation-reduction reactions and are used to determine the concentration of oxidizing or reducing agents. They often require different indicators and can be more sensitive to factors like temperature and solution composition.

18. What is a Karl Fischer titration?

Karl Fischer titration is a specialized type of titration used to determine trace amounts of water in a sample. It uses a reaction between water and iodine in the presence of other reagents. This method is particularly useful in industries where water content is critical, such as pharmaceuticals and petrochemicals.

19. How does the choice of indicator affect the accuracy of a titration?

The choice of indicator can significantly affect titration accuracy:

20. How does the concentration of solutions affect titration accuracy?

Solution concentration affects titration accuracy in several ways:

21. What is a titration curve?

A titration curve is a graph showing the change in a measured property (usually pH for acid-base titrations) as a function of the volume of titrant added. The shape of the curve provides information about the strength of the acid or base, the equivalence point, and the effectiveness of the chosen indicator. Titration curves are useful for understanding the progress of a titration and for selecting appropriate indicators.

22. What is a complexometric EDTA titration used for?

Complexometric EDTA titrations are used to determine the concentration of metal ions in solution. EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) forms stable complexes with many metal ions. This type of titration is useful for:

23. How does the solvent affect titration results?

The solvent can significantly impact titration results:

24. How does the concept of activity coefficient apply to titrations?

The activity coefficient accounts for the non-ideal behavior of ions in solution, especially in concentrated solutions or those with high ionic strength. In titrations:

25. What is titration in chemistry?

Titration is an analytical technique used to determine the concentration of a substance in a solution. It involves gradually adding a solution of known concentration (the titrant) to a solution of unknown concentration (the analyte) until the reaction between them is complete. This endpoint is usually indicated by a color change or other observable signal.

26. Why is titration important in chemical analysis?

Titration is important because it allows for precise quantitative analysis of solutions. It's used to determine the concentration of acids, bases, and other chemical species in various fields including environmental science, pharmaceuticals, and food industry. Titration provides accurate results and is relatively simple to perform.

27. How does an acid-base titration work?

In an acid-base titration, a solution of known concentration (usually a base) is added to an acid solution of unknown concentration (or vice versa). As the base is added, it neutralizes the acid. The endpoint is reached when the amount of base added is chemically equivalent to the amount of acid present, typically indicated by a color change in an added indicator.

28. How does an indicator work in titration?

An indicator is a substance that changes color at or near the endpoint of a titration. In acid-base titrations, indicators are weak acids or bases that have different colors in their protonated and deprotonated forms. The color change occurs over a specific pH range, helping to visually signal when the titration is complete.

29. What is a potentiometric titration?

A potentiometric titration is a type of titration where the endpoint is determined by measuring the electrical potential of the solution. Instead of using a color-changing indicator, an electrode (often a pH electrode for acid-base titrations) is used to monitor changes in the solution's properties as the titrant is added.

30. What is meant by the term "equivalence point" in titration?

The equivalence point in a titration is the point at which the amount of titrant added is chemically equivalent to the amount of analyte present. At this point:

31. What is a blank titration?

A blank titration is a titration performed without the analyte present, using only the solvent and any other components of the analyte solution. It's used to account for any consumption of titrant by the solvent or impurities, allowing for more accurate results when the actual sample is titrated.

32. What is meant by a "sharp endpoint" in titration?

A sharp endpoint refers to a rapid and distinct change in the property being monitored (usually color) over a small volume of added titrant. Sharp endpoints make it easier to accurately determine when the titration is complete. Factors that contribute to a sharp endpoint include the strength of the acid or base, the concentration of the solutions, and the choice of indicator.

33. What is an auto-titrator and what are its advantages?

An auto-titrator is an instrument that performs titrations automatically. It typically consists of a dispenser for the titrant, a sensor (e.g., pH electrode), and a control unit. Advantages include:

34. How does the presence of a buffer affect a titration?

A buffer in the analyte solution can significantly affect a titration:

35. Why might you choose potentiometric titration over a traditional indicator-based titration?

Potentiometric titration can be more precise than indicator-based methods, especially for solutions that are colored or turbid where visual indicators might be hard to see. It's also useful for titrations where there's no suitable visual indicator available, or when working with very dilute solutions where the color change might be subtle.

36. What is the difference between the endpoint and the equivalence point in a titration?

The equivalence point is the theoretical point where the amount of titrant added is chemically equivalent to the amount of analyte present. The endpoint is the physical change (usually a color change) that we can observe, signaling that the titration is complete. Ideally, the endpoint should coincide with or be very close to the equivalence point.

37. What is a standard solution in titration?

A standard solution is a solution of precisely known concentration. It's used as the titrant in a titration to determine the concentration of the analyte. Standard solutions are prepared by dissolving a known amount of a pure substance (called a primary standard) in a specific volume of solvent.

38. What is a primary standard?

A primary standard is a highly pure substance used to prepare standard solutions. It must be stable, non-hygroscopic, have a high molecular weight, and be easily obtainable in pure form. Examples include potassium hydrogen phthalate (KHP) for acid-base titrations and potassium dichromate for redox titrations.

39. What is a back titration?

A back titration is an indirect method used when the analyte can't be titrated directly. An excess of a standard reagent is added to react with the analyte, then the unreacted excess is titrated with a second standard solution. The amount of analyte is then calculated from the difference between the amount of reagent added initially and the amount found to be in excess.

40. What is a Gran plot and how is it used in titrations?

A Gran plot is a graphical method used to determine the endpoint in potentiometric titrations more accurately. It involves plotting a function of the measured potential against the volume of titrant added. The resulting straight line can be extrapolated to find the endpoint volume. Gran plots are particularly useful for weak acid/base titrations where the endpoint is not clearly defined on the regular titration curve.

41. How do you determine the pKa of a weak acid using titration?

To determine the pKa of a weak acid using titration:

42. What is meant by the term "standardization" in titration?

Standardization is the process of determining the exact concentration of a solution by titrating it against a standard solution of known concentration. This is often necessary because the concentration of solutions can change over time due to factors like evaporation or chemical reactions.

43. How can you determine the endpoint in a precipitation titration?

Endpoints in precipitation titrations can be determined by:

44. How does the strength of an acid or base affect its titration curve?

The strength of an acid or base significantly affects the titration curve:

45. What is a coulometric titration?

Coulometric titration is a technique where the titrant is generated electrochemically in the titration cell, rather than being added from a burette. The amount of titrant produced is precisely controlled by the amount of electrical charge passed through the cell. This method can be extremely accurate and is often used for trace analysis or when very small volumes are involved.