UNIT-II: Acid-Base Titrations & Redox Titrations — Pharmaceutical Inorganic Chemistry
① VERY SHORT ANSWER TYPE [2 Marks Each]
(i) What is Redox Titration?
Redox titration is a type of volumetric analysis based on oxidation-reduction reactions between the analyte and the titrant, where electrons are transferred from the reducing agent to the oxidizing agent.
Example: Titration of FeSO₄ with KMnO₄
2KMnO₄ + 10FeSO₄ + 8H₂SO₄ → 2MnSO₄ + 5Fe₂(SO₄)₃ + K₂SO₄ + 8H₂O
(ii) Define Oxidation & Reduction
| Oxidation | Reduction |
|---|
| Loss of electrons | Gain of electrons |
| Increase in oxidation number | Decrease in oxidation number |
| Loss of hydrogen OR gain of oxygen | Gain of hydrogen OR loss of oxygen |
| Oxidizing agent undergoes reduction | Reducing agent undergoes oxidation |
Memory aid: OIL RIG — Oxidation Is Loss, Reduction Is Gain
(iii) What is Redox Potential?
Redox potential (E°) is the tendency of a species to gain or lose electrons relative to the standard hydrogen electrode (SHE), whose potential is assigned 0.00 V.
- Also called electrode potential or oxidation-reduction potential (ORP)
- Measured in Volts (V)
- A higher (more positive) E° = stronger oxidizing agent
- A lower (more negative) E° = stronger reducing agent
Example: E° of Zn²⁺/Zn = −0.76 V; E° of Cu²⁺/Cu = +0.34 V
(iv) What is Oxidation Number?
Oxidation number (oxidation state) is the hypothetical charge assigned to an atom in a molecule or ion, assuming all bonds are ionic.
Rules:
- Oxidation number of free element = 0 (e.g., O₂, Fe = 0)
- For monoatomic ions = charge on ion (e.g., Na⁺ = +1)
- O = −2 (except in peroxides = −1)
- H = +1 (except in metal hydrides = −1)
- Sum of oxidation numbers in a neutral compound = 0
Example: In KMnO₄ → K = +1, O = −2 (×4 = −8), so Mn = +7
(v) Write Applications of Redox Titrations
- Assay of iron preparations (FeSO₄ tablets) using KMnO₄
- Determination of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) by iodimetry
- Assay of calcium gluconate by permanganometry
- Determination of copper by iodometric method
- Assay of hydrogen peroxide using KMnO₄
- Determination of chlorine in water by iodometry
- Assay of sodium thiosulphate — iodometric method
- Quality control of oxidizing/reducing pharmaceutical agents
(vi) Write about Any One Theory of Acid-Base Indicator
Ostwald's Theory (Ionic Theory) of Indicators:
According to Ostwald, an acid-base indicator is a weak acid (HIn) or weak base (InOH) that exists in two forms — ionized and un-ionized — which differ in colour.
For an indicator that is a weak acid:
HIn ⇌ H⁺ + In⁻
(Colour A) → (Colour B)
- In acidic medium (excess H⁺): equilibrium shifts LEFT → HIn form predominates → Colour A
- In alkaline medium (H⁺ removed): equilibrium shifts RIGHT → In⁻ form predominates → Colour B
Example — Phenolphthalein:
- HIn (colourless) ⇌ H⁺ + In⁻ (pink)
- Acid → colourless; Base → pink
Henderson-Hasselbalch for indicator:
pH = pKin + log [In⁻]/[HIn]
Colour change: pH range = pKin ± 1
(vii) Define Alkalimetry Titration
Alkalimetry is a method of volumetric analysis in which a standard solution of a base (alkali) is used to determine the concentration of an acid.
- The base (alkali) acts as the titrant in the burette
- The acid is in the conical flask
- Indicator: phenolphthalein or methyl orange depending on the type of acid/base
Example: Determination of HCl using standard NaOH
NaOH + HCl → NaCl + H₂O
(viii) Define Normality & Molarity
| Normality (N) | Molarity (M) |
|---|
| Definition | Gram equivalents of solute per litre of solution | Moles of solute per litre of solution |
| Formula | N = g-eq / L | M = mol / L |
| Unit | N (equivalents/L) | M (mol/L) |
| Relation | N = M × n-factor | M = N / n-factor |
Example: 1M H₂SO₄ = 2N H₂SO₄ (n-factor of H₂SO₄ = 2)
(ix) What is Weak Base?
A weak base is a base that partially ionizes (dissociates) in aqueous solution to produce hydroxide ions (OH⁻), establishing an equilibrium.
B + H₂O ⇌ BH⁺ + OH⁻
- Degree of ionization is small (Kb << 1)
- pH < 14 but > 7 in solution
- Examples: Ammonia (NH₃), pyridine, aniline, calcium carbonate
(x) Write about Different Types of Neutralisation Indicators
| Indicator | pH Range | Colour Change (Acid → Base) | Used For |
|---|
| Methyl Orange | 3.1 – 4.4 | Red → Yellow | Strong acid + weak base |
| Methyl Red | 4.2 – 6.3 | Red → Yellow | Strong acid + weak base |
| Litmus | 5.0 – 8.0 | Red → Blue | General use |
| Phenolphthalein | 8.3 – 10.0 | Colourless → Pink | Strong base + weak acid |
| Thymol Blue | 1.2 – 2.8 / 8.0 – 9.6 | Red → Yellow → Blue | Two transition ranges |
| Bromothymol Blue | 6.0 – 7.6 | Yellow → Blue | Neutral range titrations |
Types:
- One-colour indicators: Only one form is coloured (e.g., phenolphthalein)
- Two-colour indicators: Both forms have different colours (e.g., methyl orange)
② LONG ANSWER TYPE [10 Marks Each]
① Explain Briefly Theories of Neutralisation Indicators
Definition: A neutralisation (acid-base) indicator is a substance that undergoes a visible colour change at or near the equivalence point of a neutralisation titration.
Theory 1: Ostwald's (Ionic) Theory
Ostwald proposed that indicators are weak acids or weak bases whose ionized and un-ionized forms have different colours.
For an indicator weak acid (HIn):
HIn ⇌ H⁺ + In⁻
(Colour 1) (Colour 2)
Equilibrium constant (KIn):
KIn = [H⁺][In⁻] / [HIn]
Taking log:
pH = pKIn + log([In⁻]/[HIn])
Colour transition: occurs when [In⁻]/[HIn] changes from 1/10 to 10/1
- This gives a pH range of pKIn ± 1 for colour change
Examples:
- Methyl Orange (weak acid type): pKIn = 3.46; range 3.1–4.4
- Phenolphthalein (weak acid type): pKIn = 9.3; range 8.3–10.0
Limitation of Ostwald's Theory: Does not explain why some indicators change colour due to molecular rearrangement (not just ionization), e.g., phenolphthalein.
Theory 2: Chromophore Theory (Quinone Theory)
Proposed by Hantzsch. States that colour change is due to a structural/tautomeric change in the indicator molecule, not just ionization.
Example — Phenolphthalein:
- In acidic form: lactoid form (colourless, closed ring)
- In alkaline form: quinoid form (pink, open ring structure with conjugated double bonds)
The quinoid structure has extended conjugation → absorbs visible light → appears coloured
This theory better explains indicators like phenolphthalein and thymolphthalein where colour change is not simply due to ionization but structural rearrangement.
Selection of Indicator:
The ideal indicator has its pKIn = equivalence point pH of the titration.
| Type of Titration | Suitable Indicator |
|---|
| Strong acid + Strong base | Any indicator (pH jump 4–10) |
| Strong acid + Weak base | Methyl Orange (pH 3.1–4.4) |
| Weak acid + Strong base | Phenolphthalein (pH 8.3–10.0) |
| Weak acid + Weak base | No sharp endpoint — mixed indicator |
② Explain Ostwald's Theory for Acid-Base Indicators
(Fully detailed answer — see Theory 1 above for core content. Expanded below:)
Ostwald's Theory — Complete Explanation:
Postulates:
- Acid-base indicators are weak acids (HIn) or weak bases (InOH)
- The un-ionized form and ionized form have different colours
- The ratio of [In⁻]/[HIn] determines which colour is predominant
- This ratio is governed by the pH of the solution
Mathematical treatment:
KIn = [H⁺][In⁻] / [HIn]
[H⁺] = KIn × [HIn]/[In⁻]
pH = pKIn + log([In⁻]/[HIn])
Visual Colour Transition:
- When [HIn]/[In⁻] ≥ 10 → eye sees Colour of HIn (acid colour)
- When [In⁻]/[HIn] ≥ 10 → eye sees Colour of In⁻ (base colour)
- Transition range = pKIn − 1 to pKIn + 1
Example — Methyl Orange:
- HIn (Red) ⇌ H⁺ + In⁻ (Yellow)
- pKIn = 3.46
- Transition range = 2.46 to 4.46 ≈ reported as 3.1–4.4
Example — Phenolphthalein:
- HIn (colourless) ⇌ H⁺ + In⁻ (pink)
- pKIn = 9.3
- Transition range = 8.3 to 10.3 ≈ 8.3–10.0
Strengths of Ostwald's Theory:
- Mathematically sound
- Predicts transition pH range correctly
- Explains why different indicators suit different titrations
Limitations:
- Cannot explain phenolphthalein's structural change (quinoid vs. lactoid)
- Does not address mixed indicators fully
- Assumes only ionization — ignores tautomerism
③ Explain Iodometry & Iodimetry with Examples
A. IODIMETRY (Direct Iodine Titration)
Definition: Iodimetry is a direct titration method where a standard solution of iodine (I₂) is used as the oxidizing agent to titrate a reducing analyte directly.
Principle:
I₂ + 2e⁻ → 2I⁻ (Iodine is reduced; analyte is oxidized)
Indicator: Freshly prepared starch solution — forms blue-black complex with I₂; endpoint = appearance of blue colour
Examples:
1. Assay of Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C):
C₆H₈O₆ + I₂ → C₆H₆O₆ + 2HI
(Ascorbic acid reduces I₂ → colourless; endpoint = first permanent blue)
2. Assay of Sodium Thiosulphate:
2Na₂S₂O₃ + I₂ → Na₂S₄O₆ + 2NaI
Conditions:
- pH should be slightly acidic (pH 3–4); alkaline conditions cause I₂ to disproportionate
- Add starch near the endpoint (not at beginning — strong starch-I₂ complex makes endpoint hard to reverse)
B. IODOMETRY (Indirect Iodine Titration)
Definition: Iodometry is an indirect method where an oxidizing analyte first reacts with excess potassium iodide (KI) to liberate free iodine (I₂), which is then titrated with standard sodium thiosulphate (Na₂S₂O₃).
Principle (two-step):
Step 1: Oxidant + 2KI → I₂ (liberated)
Step 2: I₂ + 2Na₂S₂O₃ → Na₂S₄O₆ + 2NaI
Indicator: Starch — endpoint = disappearance of blue colour (added near endpoint)
Examples:
1. Determination of Copper (Cu²⁺):
Step 1: 2Cu²⁺ + 4KI → 2CuI + I₂
Step 2: I₂ + 2Na₂S₂O₃ → Na₂S₄O₆ + 2NaI
2. Determination of available chlorine in bleaching powder:
Cl₂ + 2KI → I₂ + 2KCl
I₂ titrated with Na₂S₂O₃
3. Determination of H₂O₂:
H₂O₂ + 2KI + H₂SO₄ → I₂ + K₂SO₄ + 2H₂O
Comparison:
| Iodimetry | Iodometry |
|---|
| Method | Direct titration | Indirect titration |
| Titrant | Standard I₂ | Standard Na₂S₂O₃ |
| What is estimated | Reducing agents | Oxidizing agents |
| I₂ role | Titrant (added) | Intermediate (liberated) |
| Endpoint | Appearance of blue | Disappearance of blue |
④ Name 4 Primary Standards for Redox Titrations
| Primary Standard | Used For | Reaction |
|---|
| Potassium dichromate (K₂Cr₂O₇) | Standardizing Fe²⁺ solutions; FeSO₄ assay | Cr⁶⁺ → Cr³⁺ (gains 3e⁻ per Cr) |
| Arsenic trioxide (As₂O₃) | Standardizing KMnO₄, I₂, Ce⁴⁺ | As³⁺ → As⁵⁺ |
| Oxalic acid (H₂C₂O₄·2H₂O) | Standardizing KMnO₄ | C is oxidized: 2CO₂ released |
| Potassium iodate (KIO₃) | Standardizing Na₂S₂O₃ | IO₃⁻ → I₂ in acidic KI medium |
Additional: Potassium bromate (KBrO₃), iron wire (Fe), sodium oxalate (Na₂C₂O₄)
Properties (same as Unit I — for marks):
- High purity, stable, high equivalent weight, soluble, reacts stoichiometrically
⑤ Give Nernst Equation — Explain Important Terms — Importance in Redox Titrations
Nernst Equation:
The Nernst equation gives the electrode potential of a half-cell at any concentration/temperature:
$$E = E° - \frac{RT}{nF} \ln Q$$
Or at 25°C (298 K), converting ln to log₁₀:
$$\boxed{E = E° - \frac{0.0592}{n} \log \frac{[\text{Products}]}{[\text{Reactants}]}}$$
Important Terms:
| Term | Meaning |
|---|
| E | Electrode potential under given conditions (V) |
| E° | Standard electrode potential (at 1M, 1 atm, 25°C) relative to SHE |
| R | Gas constant = 8.314 J/mol·K |
| T | Temperature in Kelvin (K) |
| n | Number of electrons transferred in the half-reaction |
| F | Faraday's constant = 96,500 C/mol |
| Q | Reaction quotient = [products]/[reactants] |
| 0.0592 | Value of RT/F × 2.303 at 298 K (= 0.05916 V) |
Derivation example — for the half-reaction:
Fe³⁺ + e⁻ → Fe²⁺; E° = +0.77 V
E = 0.77 − (0.0592/1) × log([Fe²⁺]/[Fe³⁺])
Importance of Nernst Equation in Redox Titrations:
-
Predicts feasibility of titration: If E°cell = E°oxidant − E°reductant > 0.2 V, the reaction proceeds quantitatively (>99.9% complete) — suitable for titration
-
Locates equivalence point: At the equivalence point, E_cell can be calculated using Nernst equation to identify the sharp potential jump
-
Potentiometric titrations: Nernst equation is the basis of potentiometric redox titrations (using platinum electrode + calomel reference electrode)
-
Effect of concentration: Shows how electrode potential changes with concentration of reactants/products — important for understanding indicator range
-
pH effect: In permanganometry, H⁺ appears in the half-reaction. Nernst equation shows potential decreases as pH increases → acidic conditions required
-
Identifies suitable indicator: Helps choose a redox indicator whose E°In lies within the steep part of the titration curve (E_equivalence ± 0.059/n V)
⑥ Explain Different Types of Redox Titrations with Examples
Redox titrations are classified based on the oxidizing agent used:
1. Permanganometry
- Titrant: 0.1N KMnO₄ (self-indicating — purple/violet)
- Medium: Acidic (H₂SO₄) — never HCl (it reduces KMnO₄)
- Reaction: MnO₄⁻ + 8H⁺ + 5e⁻ → Mn²⁺ + 4H₂O (colourless)
- Endpoint: Faint permanent pink/violet colour
- No external indicator needed (self-indicator)
- Example: Assay of H₂O₂, FeSO₄, oxalic acid, calcium gluconate
2. Dichromatometry
- Titrant: 0.1N K₂Cr₂O₇ (orange) — primary standard
- Medium: Acidic (H₂SO₄)
- Reaction: Cr₂O₇²⁻ + 14H⁺ + 6e⁻ → 2Cr³⁺ + 7H₂O (green)
- Indicator: Diphenylamine or N-phenyl anthranilic acid
- Advantages over KMnO₄: Stable, primary standard, can be used in HCl medium
- Example: Assay of iron in FeSO₄ tablets
3. Iodimetry (Direct)
- Titrant: Standard I₂ solution (0.1N)
- Indicator: Starch solution
- Endpoint: Appearance of blue colour
- Used for: Reducing agents (ascorbic acid, Na₂S₂O₃)
- Example: Vitamin C assay
4. Iodometry (Indirect)
- Titrant: Standard Na₂S₂O₃ (0.1N)
- Intermediate: KI + oxidant → I₂ liberated
- Indicator: Starch
- Endpoint: Disappearance of blue
- Used for: Oxidizing agents (Cu²⁺, Cl₂, H₂O₂, KMnO₄)
5. Cerimetry
- Titrant: Ceric sulphate [Ce(SO₄)₂], 0.1N
- Medium: Acidic (H₂SO₄)
- Reaction: Ce⁴⁺ + e⁻ → Ce³⁺ (yellow → colourless)
- Advantages: Very stable standard, can be used in HCl medium, no MnO₂ precipitate
- Indicator: Ferroin (1,10-phenanthroline-ferrous complex)
- Example: Assay of iron, As₂O₃, organic compounds
6. Bromatometry
- Titrant: KBrO₃ (0.1N) — primary standard
- In acid + KBr: BrO₃⁻ + 5Br⁻ + 6H⁺ → 3Br₂ + 3H₂O
- Br₂ generated in situ reacts with analyte
- Indicator: Methyl orange or methyl red (destroyed by Br₂ at endpoint — colour disappears)
- Example: Assay of phenol, 8-hydroxyquinoline, antimony compounds
Summary Table:
| Method | Titrant | Medium | Indicator | Analyte |
|---|
| Permanganometry | KMnO₄ | H₂SO₄ (acid) | Self-indicator | Fe²⁺, H₂O₂, oxalic acid |
| Dichromatometry | K₂Cr₂O₇ | H₂SO₄ (acid) | Diphenylamine | Fe²⁺ |
| Iodimetry | I₂ | Slightly acidic | Starch (blue) | Reducing agents |
| Iodometry | Na₂S₂O₃ | Neutral/acidic | Starch (colourless) | Oxidizing agents |
| Cerimetry | Ce(SO₄)₂ | H₂SO₄ (acid) | Ferroin | Fe²⁺, As₂O₃ |
| Bromatometry | KBrO₃ | Acid + KBr | Methyl orange | Phenols, aromatics |
③ SHORT ANSWER TYPE [5 Marks Each]
① Write a Note on Preparation & Storage of Volumetric Solution of Iodine
Preparation of 0.1N Iodine Solution (1000 mL):
Molecular weight of I₂ = 254 g/mol; Equivalent weight = 127 g/eq (n = 2)
Weight required for 1L of 0.1N:
Weight = 0.1 × 127 × 1 = 12.7 g of I₂
Procedure:
- Weigh 12.7 g of iodine and 20 g of potassium iodide (KI) (to increase solubility as KI·I₂ → KI₃ complex).
- Dissolve KI in a small volume of water, then add iodine crystals.
- Stir until completely dissolved (I₂ is poorly soluble in water; soluble in KI solution via: I₂ + I⁻ → I₃⁻).
- Transfer to a 1000 mL volumetric flask.
- Make up to volume with distilled water.
Standardization:
- Standardize against 0.1N sodium thiosulphate (primary standard: As₂O₃ or pure iodine)
- Indicator: starch; endpoint = disappearance of blue colour
Storage of Iodine Solution:
Iodine solution must be stored carefully due to its volatility and oxidizing nature:
- Store in amber-coloured (brown) glass bottles — prevents photodecomposition
- Use glass-stoppered bottles — iodine vapour is corrosive to rubber stoppers
- Store in a cool, dark place — iodine is volatile; heat increases evaporation
- Do not store in plastic containers — iodine reacts with plastic
- Standardize frequently — iodine solution changes strength over time
- Keep excess KI in the solution to prevent volatilization of I₂
② Define & Explain Acidimetric & Alkalimetric Titrations
Acidimetry:
Titration in which a standard acid (titrant) is used to determine the amount of a base (analyte).
- Acid is in burette; base is in flask
- Indicator: Methyl orange (for weak base) or phenolphthalein (for strong base) depending on titration type
- Example: Determination of Na₂CO₃ using standard HCl
Na₂CO₃ + 2HCl → 2NaCl + H₂O + CO₂
Indicator: methyl orange; endpoint: yellow → red
Alkalimetry:
Titration in which a standard base (alkali) (titrant) is used to determine the amount of an acid (analyte).
- Base (NaOH) is in burette; acid is in flask
- Example: Determination of acetic acid using standard NaOH
CH₃COOH + NaOH → CH₃COONa + H₂O
Indicator: phenolphthalein; endpoint: colourless → pink
Indicators Used:
| Titration Type | Indicator | Endpoint |
|---|
| Strong acid + Strong base | Methyl orange or phenolphthalein | Yellow→Red or Colourless→Pink |
| Strong acid + Weak base | Methyl orange | Yellow → Red |
| Weak acid + Strong base | Phenolphthalein | Colourless → Pink |
| Weak acid + Weak base | No sharp endpoint | Mixed indicator |
③ Explain Theory of Redox Titration + Note on Iodimetry & Iodometry
(Core theory)
Theory of Redox Titration:
A redox titration is feasible when:
- The reaction is quantitative (proceeds >99.9% to completion)
- Reaction is fast (rapid equilibrium)
- A suitable indicator or potentiometric method exists
Feasibility Criterion (from Nernst):
ΔE° = E°(oxidant) − E°(reductant) > 0.2 V ensures >99% reaction completion
At Equivalence Point:
The electrode potential makes a sharp jump (steep inflection). The redox indicator must change colour within this jump.
Redox Indicators:
Change colour based on electrode potential (not pH).
E = E°In ± 0.059/n V (transition range)
- E.g., Ferroin (E° = +1.06 V): colourless (ox) ↔ red (red)
- Starch-iodine: specific for I₂/I⁻ system (blue ↔ colourless)
Iodimetry & Iodometry: (Refer to Long Answer ③ above — same content)
④ Explain Principle & Reactions Involved in Iodometry Titrations
Principle of Iodometry:
Iodometry is based on the quantitative oxidation of iodide (I⁻) by an oxidizing analyte to release free iodine (I₂), which is then titrated with standard sodium thiosulphate.
E° of I₂/I⁻ half-cell = +0.54 V
Any oxidant with E° > +0.54 V can oxidize I⁻ → I₂ quantitatively.
General Reactions:
Step 1 — Liberation of I₂:
Oxidant + 2KI (excess) + H₂SO₄ → I₂ + reduced product + K₂SO₄
Step 2 — Titration of I₂:
I₂ + 2Na₂S₂O₃ → Na₂S₄O₆ (sodium tetrathionate) + 2NaI
Indicator: Starch (added near endpoint) — blue → colourless at endpoint
Specific Reactions:
1. Determination of Copper:
2CuSO₄ + 4KI → 2CuI + I₂ + 2K₂SO₄
I₂ + 2Na₂S₂O₃ → Na₂S₄O₆ + 2NaI
2. Determination of H₂O₂:
H₂O₂ + 2KI + H₂SO₄ → I₂ + K₂SO₄ + 2H₂O
I₂ titrated with Na₂S₂O₃
3. Determination of Chlorine:
Cl₂ + 2KI → I₂ + 2KCl
I₂ titrated with Na₂S₂O₃
4. Bleaching Powder (available Cl₂):
Same as above; used in water analysis
Important Conditions:
- Reaction done in acidic medium (dilute H₂SO₄) — prevents disproportionation of I₂
- Excess KI added to ensure complete liberation of I₂
- Starch indicator added just before endpoint (near pale yellow)
- Titration done quickly — I⁻ can be oxidized by atmospheric O₂ if left too long
- Bottles should be stoppered to prevent oxidation by air
⑤ Write the Preparation & Standardization of 0.1N Potassium Permanganate
Potassium Permanganate (KMnO₄) — Overview:
- Molecular weight = 158 g/mol
- Equivalent weight = 158/5 = 31.6 g/eq (in acid medium, gains 5e⁻: Mn⁷⁺ → Mn²⁺)
- Cannot be used as a primary standard (it oxidizes dust, rubber, etc. during preparation)
- Deep purple solution; self-indicator
Preparation of ~0.1N KMnO₄ (1000 mL):
Weight required:
Weight = 0.1 × 31.6 × 1 = 3.16 g
Procedure:
- Weigh approximately 3.2 g of KMnO₄
- Dissolve in 1000 mL of freshly boiled and cooled distilled water (boiling removes organic matter + CO₂ that would reduce KMnO₄)
- Allow to stand for 24 hours (Mn₂O₇ and organic matter are oxidized and precipitate as MnO₂)
- Filter through a sintered glass crucible (NOT filter paper — filter paper is organic and would be oxidized)
- Store in a brown bottle away from light
Standardization of 0.1N KMnO₄:
Primary standard: Oxalic acid (H₂C₂O₄·2H₂O) or Sodium oxalate (Na₂C₂O₄) or Arsenic trioxide
Using Oxalic Acid:
- Eq. wt. of oxalic acid = 63 g/eq (MW = 126, n-factor = 2)
- Weigh accurately ~630 mg; dissolve in water with dilute H₂SO₄
Reaction (at 70–80°C):
5H₂C₂O₄ + 2KMnO₄ + 3H₂SO₄ → 10CO₂ + 2MnSO₄ + K₂SO₄ + 8H₂O
Procedure:
- Pipette 20 mL of oxalic acid solution into a conical flask
- Add 20 mL of dilute H₂SO₄ (to acidify)
- Heat to 70–80°C (reaction is slow at room temperature; first few drops of KMnO₄ are decolorized slowly, then autocatalyzed by Mn²⁺)
- Titrate with KMnO₄ from burette
- Endpoint: Faint permanent pink/violet colour that persists for 30 seconds (self-indicator)
Calculation:
N₁V₁ (oxalic acid) = N₂V₂ (KMnO₄)
N(KMnO₄) = (N₁ × V₁) / V₂
⑥ Write the Procedure & Reactions in Standardization of 0.1N Sodium Thiosulphate
Sodium Thiosulphate (Na₂S₂O₃·5H₂O) — Overview:
- Molecular weight = 248 g/mol (hydrated)
- Equivalent weight = 248 g/eq (n-factor = 1; S₂O₃²⁻ → S₄O₆²⁻, each S₂O₃ loses 1e⁻)
- Cannot be used as a primary standard (absorbs CO₂, decomposes slowly)
- Used as titrant in iodometry
Preparation of 0.1N Na₂S₂O₃ (1000 mL):
Weight required:
Weight = 0.1 × 248 × 1 = 24.8 g
Procedure:
- Weigh 24.8 g of Na₂S₂O₃·5H₂O
- Dissolve in freshly boiled and cooled distilled water (remove CO₂; prevents bacterial decomposition)
- Add a small amount of Na₂CO₃ (~0.1 g) to maintain slightly alkaline pH (prevents bacterial decomposition and acid decomposition)
- Make up to 1000 mL; store in a brown bottle
Standardization of 0.1N Na₂S₂O₃:
Primary standard: Potassium iodate (KIO₃) or Potassium dichromate (K₂Cr₂O₇) or Potassium bromate (KBrO₃)
Using Potassium Iodate (KIO₃):
- Eq. wt. of KIO₃ = 214/5 = 35.67 g/eq (IO₃⁻ → I₂, n = 5 per iodine = 10 for 2I)
(More precisely: KIO₃, MW = 214, n-factor = 5 in iodometric context)
Reactions:
Step 1 — Liberation of I₂ from KIO₃:
IO₃⁻ + 5I⁻ + 6H⁺ → 3I₂ + 3H₂O
Step 2 — Titration of I₂ with Na₂S₂O₃:
I₂ + 2Na₂S₂O₃ → Na₂S₄O₆ + 2NaI
Overall:
KIO₃ + 5KI + 3H₂SO₄ → 3I₂ + 3K₂SO₄ + 3H₂O
3I₂ + 6Na₂S₂O₃ → 3Na₂S₄O₆ + 6NaI
Procedure:
- Accurately weigh ~357 mg of dried KIO₃ (primary standard)
- Dissolve in water; transfer to 100 mL volumetric flask
- Pipette 10 mL into a conical flask
- Add 10 mL of 10% KI solution
- Add 10 mL of dilute H₂SO₄ — brown/yellow colour appears (I₂ liberated)
- Titrate with Na₂S₂O₃ from burette until solution turns pale yellow
- Add 1 mL starch indicator — solution turns blue
- Continue titrating until blue disappears (endpoint = colourless)
Calculation:
N₁V₁ (KIO₃) = N₂V₂ (Na₂S₂O₃)
N(Na₂S₂O₃) = (N₁ × V₁) / V₂
Exam Tips for Unit II:
- Always include half-reactions with electron counts in redox questions — earns easy marks
- For Nernst equation: write the formula, define every symbol, give one numerical example
- For iodimetry vs iodometry: the contrast table alone scores 2–3 marks
- In standardization questions: always show weight calculation + procedure + endpoint colour + equation for N
- Write reaction equations wherever possible — they demonstrate understanding and are specifically marked