Chem 126L

Analytical Chemistry II Laboratory

2nd Semester SY 2023-2024

Formal Report

Activity No. 1

Potentiometric Titration of an Unknown Weak Monoprotic Acid

Title

Name: Kyla C. Abutal Date Performed: February 02, 2024

Group Partner: Karheel Joyce Cudira Date Submitted: April, 05, 2024
Denise De Asis Section: CHEM126L-YA Group No:1

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Abstract 10%
Introduction 15%
Experimental Method 5%
Results and Discussion 50%
Conclusion 10%
References
Supplementary Information 10%
Total Rating 100%
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4 April 2024 | Experiment # 1 | Chem 126L | 1

Potentiometric Titration of an Unknown Weak Monoprotic Acid
Kyla C. Abutal
____________________________________________________________________________________

ABSTRACT
An analytical method that is frequently used to ascertain the concentration of bases and acids in solution is potentiometric
titration. The molar mass and acid dissociation constant (Ka) of an unidentified weak monoprotic acid were measured in this
experiment using potentiometric titration. The unidentified acid solution was titrated using a burette that was filled with a
standardized sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution. A pH meter was used to track the titration procedure and record the pH variations
as NaOH was introduced gradually. The equivalence point, midpoint, and buffering zones were determined by examining the
titration curve derived from the pH data. With the use of the half-equivalence point approach and the Henderson-Hasselbalch
equation, the acid dissociation constant (Ka) of the unknown acid was determined through the data gathered. In addition, the amount
of NaOH needed to achieve the equivalence point was used to calculate the molar mass of the unknown monoprotic acid. The
experiment's results showed that potentiometric titration is a useful method for identifying the characteristics of unknown acids
because they aligned with theoretical expectations.

Keywords: Potentiometric Titration, Acid Dissociation Constant, Equivalence Point, Buffering Zones

_________________________________________________________________________

INTRODUCTION

Potentiometric titration stands as a foundational method within the realm of analytical chemistry,
serving as a means to ascertain the concentration and characteristics of acids and bases present in a
solution. This technique falls under the category of chemical analysis methods where the titration's endpoint
is tracked using an indicator electrode. This electrode records the potential change as a function of the
added titrant, typically a solution of precisely known concentration. The focus of this experiment lies in
conducting a potentiometric titration specifically on an unknown weak monoprotic acid. The objective is to
uncover crucial information about the acid, particularly its molar mass and acid dissociation constant (Ka).
Understanding these parameters is paramount as they greatly contribute to characterizing how acids
behave under varying chemical reaction conditions and in different solution environments. The process of
potentiometric titration unfolds with the gradual addition of a standardized base solution, often sodium
hydroxide (NaOH), to the solution containing the unknown acid. Concurrently, changes in pH are
meticulously monitored using a pH meter, which plays an indispensable role in recording pH values
throughout the titration process. This data is then utilized to construct a titration curve, a graphical
representation that offers profound insights into the acid-base equilibrium dynamics. Noteworthy points on
this curve include the equivalence point, midpoint, and buffering regions, all of which are instrumental in
understanding the acid's behavior.

According to (Lee, 2021), Ka stands for the dissociation constant of acid. It gauges the extent to
which an acid separates from a water-based solution. The stronger the acid since it mostly separates into
its ions, the higher the value of Ka. The connection between pKa and Ka is represented by the following
equation:

pKa = -log [Ka].

Ka is a symbol for the acid dissociation constant's value. Ka is used to quantify the degree of acid
dissociation in an aqueous solution. Since powerful acids sometimes dissolve entirely in solutions, the
stronger the acid, the higher the Ka value. On the other hand, if pKa is known, Ka may be measured:

Ka = 10-pKa

4 April 2024 | Experiment # 1 | Chem 126L | 2

 The concentration of hydrogen ions in an aqueous solution is measured by pH. Stronger acids are
those with lower pH values because they have larger hydrogen ion concentrations in the solution.
pKa and pH are associated because the former helps forecast a molecule's behavior at a certain pH; in
other words, the value indicates the minimum pH required for a chemical species to be able to give or
receive a proton.

The Henderson-Hasselbalch equation describes the link between pKa and pH:

pH = pKa + log ([conjugate base]/[weak acid])

pH = pka+log ([A–]/[HA])

The volume of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) needed to achieve the equivalence point is essential for
determining the molar mass of the acid, in addition to helping identify the unknown monoprotic acid.
Because it shows how much NaOH is required to totally neutralize the acid and how many acid molecules
are in the solution, this volume measurement is crucial. This investigation aims to demonstrate the efficacy
and reliability of potentiometric titration in defining unidentified weak monoprotic acids by fusing
experimental data from the titration procedure with accepted theoretical concepts. A precise analytical
method known as potentiometric titration is used to monitor changes in electrical potential during an acid-
base interaction. This method allows for the computation of important parameters including pKa, molar
mass, and concentration. Researchers can ascertain the molar mass of the unknown acid by combining
experimental data, such as NaOH volume measurements, with theoretical computations based on chemical
equations and stoichiometry. In order to determine the mole-to-mole ratio between the two chemicals, the
balanced chemical equation for the reaction between the acid and NaOH is used in this method.
Ultimately, the goal of this experiment is to not only identify the unknown acid but also to show how
potentiometric titration may be used more broadly in analytical chemistry as a trustworthy technique for
characterizing and quantifying compounds, especially weak monoprotic acids.

EXPERIMENTAL METHODS

The experimental setup for the titration process was carefully arranged to ensure accurate
measurements. The setup included a magnetic stirrer, a spin bar. a 100 mL beaker, and a 50 mL burette
filled beforehand with a standard solution of 0.1M NaOH. This standard NaOH solution served as the titrant,
used to titrate the unknown acid. Three replicate trials were conducted to enhance the reliability of the
results. The first step involved preparing the analyte, which was the unknown acid to be titrated.
Approximately 0.20 grams of the unknown acid were weighed and then dissolved in 50 mL of distilled water
directly in a beaker. The weight of the unknown acid was accurately recorded during this process.
Additionally, the initial pH of the solution was measured and noted. Once the setup was ready, the titration
process commenced by adding 2.00 mL of the standard NaOH solution to the beaker containing the
unknown acid solution. The mixture was thoroughly stirred using the magnetic stirrer to ensure uniform
mixing. The pH of the solution was continuously monitored and recorded until a stable reading was
achieved. At this point, both the volume of NaOH added and the corresponding pH reading were recorded.
Subsequently, increments of 2.00 mL of the standard NaOH solution were added successively to the
beaker, and the pH was continuously monitored after each addition. The titration proceeded until the pH
started rising rapidly, indicating that the equivalence point was approaching. To ensure that all of the acid
was completely titrated, the sides of the beaker were washed with distilled water from a wash bottle. As the
titration neared completion, smaller and smaller volumes of the standard NaOH solution were added, and
the pH readings were carefully recorded after each addition. This incremental approach was crucial to
pinpointing the exact point at which the pH surpassed about 8.5, indicating the completion of the titration.
Additionally, in these trials, the standard NaOH solution was added dropwise to achieve greater precision
as the equivalence point approached, and pH readings were recorded meticulously until the equivalence
point was unmistakably reached.

4 April 2024 | Experiment # 1 | Chem 126L | 3

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

TRIAL 1

12

10

8 Titration Curve
pH
6 Equivalence Point=10 mL

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
Volume NaOH/ mL

Figure 1. Titration Curve

1st Derivative

1.2

1 First Derivative Plot

0.8
Equivalence Point=9
0.6
dpH/dV

0.4

0.2

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
-0.2

-0.4
Average volume of titrant, mL

Figure 2. First Derivative Plot

4 April 2024 | Experiment # 1 | Chem 126L | 4

 Half Equivalence Point
6
5
4
pH 3
2 y = 0.17x + 4.154
R² = 0.9841
1
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Volume NaOH/ mL
Figure 3. Half-Equivalence Point

2nd Derivative
0.3
0.25
Second Derivative Plot
0.2
d 2pH/dV 2

0.15 Equivalence Point= 9

0.1
0.05
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
-0.05
-0.1
Average volume of titrant, mL

Figure 4. Second Derivative Plot

4 April 2024 | Experiment # 1 | Chem 126L | 5

TRIAL 2

12

10
Titration Curve
8
Equivalence Point= 12
pH

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
Volume NaOH/ mL

Figure 5. Titration Curve

1st Derivative
3

2.5
First Derivative Plot
2
dpH/dV

1.5 Equivalence Point=11.8

1

0.5

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
-0.5
Average volume of titrant, mL

Figure 6. First Derivative Plot

4 April 2024 | Experiment # 1 | Chem 126L | 6

 Half Equivalence Point
5.25
5.2
5.15 y = 0.1436x + 4.2356
5.1 R² = 0.9971
pH

5.05
5
4.95
4.9
5 5.5 6 6.5 7
Volume NaOH/ mL

Figure 7. First Derivative Plot

2nd Derivative

4 Second Derivative Plot

3 Equivalence Point=11.6
d 2pH/dV 2

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
-1
Average volume of titrant, mL

Figure 8. Second Derivative Plot

4 April 2024 | Experiment # 1 | Chem 126L | 7

TRIAL 3

12

10
Titration Curve
8
Equivalence Point=21.6 mL
pH

0
0 5 10 15 20 25
Volume NaOH/ mL
Figure 9. Titration Curve

1st Derivative
10.00

8.00 First Derivative Plot

6.00 Equivalence Point=21.45

dpH/dV

4.00

2.00

0.00
0.00 5.00 10.00 15.00 20.00 25.00
-2.00
Average volume of titrant, mL

Figure 10. First Derivative Plot

4 April 2024 | Experiment # 1 | Chem 126L | 8

 Half Equivalence Point
5.12
5.11
5.11 y = 0.07x + 4.361
pH 5.10 R² = 0.9423
5.10
5.09
5.09
5.08
5.08
10.25 10.30 10.35 10.40 10.45 10.50 10.55 10.60 10.65 10.70 10.75
Volume NaOH/ mL

Figure 11. Half-Equivalence Point

Second Derivative
100

Second Derivative Plot

50
Equivalence Point=21.4
d 2pH/dV 2

0
0 5 10 15 20 25

-50

-100
Average volume of titrant, mL

Figure 12. Second Derivative Plot

4 April 2024 | Experiment # 1 | Chem 126L | 9

Table 1. Data from the Titration of an Unidentified Weak Monoprotic Acid

Unknown pKa Formula Weight

Acid
Experimental Theoretical Experimental Theoretical
Potassium
Hydrogen 5.41 204.23
Phthalate 4.919 267.9115349
Trial 1 Potassium
Bitartrate 4.54 188.18

Potassium
Hydrogen 5.41 204.23
Phthalate 5.08284 203.7332579
Trial 2 Potassium
Bitartrate 4.54 188.18

Potassium
Hydrogen 5.41 204.23
Trial 3 Phthalate 113.0772287
Potassium 5.11175
Bitartrate 4.54 188.18

Potassium
Hydrogen 5.41 204.23
Phthalate
Average Potassium 5.037863333 194.9073405
Bitartrate 4.54 188.18

Potassium
Hydrogen 6.88% 4.56%
% Error Phthalate
Potassium
Bitartrate 10.97% 3.57%

4 April 2024 | Experiment # 1 | Chem 126L | 10

ANALYSIS

A total of three trials of potentiometric titration were performed and its goal was to determine the
identity of an unknown monoprotic acid. For each trial, a total of four graphs were created. The first graph
is pH vs. volume, which displays the titration curve. This curve shows how pH changes as titrant (a solution
of known concentration) is added to the unknown acid. The second graph is the first derivative of the pH
vs. volume curve which has a formula of Δ(ΔpH/ΔV). This graph highlights the equivalence point, also
known as the end point of the titration. The equivalence point is where the volume of titrant causes a sharp
increase in pH, indicating that all of the analyte (the unknown weak monoprotic acid) has reacted with the
titrant. The third step involves obtaining the half-equivalence point from the first derivative graph. This is
done by finding the volume of titrant at which the pH is halfway between the initial pH and the pH at the
equivalence point. The fourth graph is the second derivative plot that has a formula Δ(pH/ΔV) ΔV, which
provides additional insights into the titration curve's behavior. For calculating the pKa of the unknown acid,
the half-equivalence point volume obtained from the first derivative graph was used. This volume is halved,
and the corresponding pH is determined. By substituting the pH at the half-equivalence point into the
equation of the best-fit line (obtained from plotting neighboring data around the half-equivalence point), the
pKa of the unknown acid is calculated. The equation used for the best-fit line is typically of the form y = mx
+ b, where y represents the pH, x represents the volume of titrant, m is the slope of the line, and b is the y-
intercept.

The experimental data from the titration of an unidentified weak monoprotic acid is summarized
Table 1, which is used to determine the acid's identification by calculating its pKa value and molecular
weight formula. According to Lee (2021), an indicator of an acid's strength or weakness is its acid
dissociation constant (pKa). An acid is strong if its pKa value is less than zero. To be more precise, the Ka
value, which is the negative log base ten of the acid dissociation constant, is a negative integer. The degree
to which a Bronsted acid retains a proton is used to determine the strength of the acid. The lower the value,
the stronger the acid and the higher its proton transfer capability. Each trial involves the titration of the
unknown acid. Looking at the data for potassium hydrogen phthalate, it has a theoretical value of 5.41 and
the average experimental pKa from the three trials was obtained which is 5.037863333. Using the formula
for finding percent error, a percentage error of 6.88% was obtained. For the average experimental formula
weight of KHP, it is 194.91 g/mol, with gives a percentage error of 4.56% when compared to the theoretical
value of 204.23 g/mol. Similarly, for potassium bitartrate, the average experimental pKa is 4.54, which has
a percentage error of 10.97% when compared to the theoretical value of 4.54. The average experimental
formula weight is 188.18, with a percentage error of 3.57% compared to the theoretical value of 188.18.

4 April 2024 | Experiment # 1 | Chem 126L | 11

Error Analysis

Although potentiometric titration is widely recognized for its accuracy in analytical chemistry, it is
not impervious to any mistakes that may occur in any kind of experiment. Temperature change is one of
the many variables that might lead to errors in this experiment. Instruments, such as pH meters, need to
be carefully calibrated at the same temperature where measurements are made. Temperature variations
can have an impact on pH measurements and cause errors. For example, the pH readings may change if
the temperature changes while the experiment is being conducted. It is important to understand that
variations in temperature can have an effect on how chemicals ionize in solution, which can modify the
measured pH. The ideal temperature conditions for potentiometric titration measurements are those that
are steady and regulated. Adjustments should be made to accommodate for temperature changes and
guarantee accurate findings if they cannot be avoided. This might entail the use of electrodes that are
temperature-compensated or the use of mathematical adjustments based on known pH effects that are
temperature-dependent. Additionally, in potentiometric titration investigations, cleaning the pH probe is
essential to preserving accuracy and, if done incorrectly, might lead to inaccuracy which can be one
possible source of error in this experiment. Until the probe is properly cleaned or equilibrated with the
analyte solution, contamination might cause drift in pH values. The surface of the probe may get
contaminated for a number of reasons, including leftover materials from earlier measurements, external
ambient conditions, or incorrect handling. Over time, measurements may wander due to interference with
the electrode’s capacity to measure pH properly caused by this pollution.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, three trials of potentiometric titration were conducted to identify the unknown
monoprotic acid. The results suggest that the unknown acid is either Potassium Hydrogen Phthalate (KHP)
or Potassium Bitartrate. There is a slight deviation in the experimental values of pKa and molecular weight
formula compared to theoretical values. KHP has an experimental pKa of 5.04 (compared to theoretical
5.41), with a 6.88% error, and an experimental formula weight of 194.91 g/mol (compared to theoretical
204.23 g/mol), with a 4.56% error. Potassium Bitartrate has an experimental pKa of 4.54 (compared to
theoretical 4.54), with a 10.97% error, and an experimental formula weight of 188.18 g/mol (compared to
theoretical 188.18 g/mol), with a 3.57% error. Considering the pKa value, Potassium Hydrogen Phthalate
(KHP) is closer to the experimental value with a 6.88% error, while in terms of formula weight, Potassium
Bitartrate is closer with a 3.57% error. The physical properties were also considered in this experiment.
KHP is a white crystalline solid, odorless, and soluble in water, making it suitable for titration experiments.
Potassium Bitartrate is also a white crystalline powder, but it is sparingly soluble in water. Based on these
findings, it is highly likely that the unknown weak monoprotic acid is KHP.

4 April 2024 | Experiment # 1 | Chem 126L | 12

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

Trial 1 1st derivative 2nd derivative

Volume NaOH pH (V1+V2)/2 Δ(ΔpH/ΔV) (V1+V2)/2 Δ(pH/ΔV)ΔV
0 4.07 1 0.245 2 -0.0375
2 4.56 3 0.17 4 -0.015
4 4.9 5 0.14 6 2.22045E-16
6 5.18 7 0.14 8 0.2525
8 5.46 9 0.645 10 0.096227273
10 6.75 11 -0.317272727
12 10.24

Trial 2 1st derivative 2nd derivative

Volume NaOH pH (V1+V2)/2 Δ(ΔpH/ΔV) (V1+V2)/2 Δ(pH/ΔV)ΔV
0.4 4.03 0.6 0.2 0.8 0.125
0.8 4.11 1 0.25 1.2 0.1875
1.2 4.21 1.4 0.325 1.6 -0.1875
1.6 4.34 1.8 0.25 2 -0.125
2 4.44 2.2 0.2 2.4 -0.125
2.4 4.52 2.6 0.15 2.8 0.125
2.8 4.58 3 0.2 3.2 1.11022E-15
3.2 4.66 3.4 0.2 3.6 -0.125
3.6 4.74 3.8 0.15 4 -0.0625
4 4.8 4.2 0.125 4.4 0.125
4.4 4.85 4.6 0.175 4.8 -0.0625
4.8 4.92 5 0.15 5.2 0.0625
5.2 4.98 5.4 0.175 5.6 -0.125
5.6 5.05 5.8 0.125 6 6.245E-15
6 5.1 6.2 0.125 6.4 0.0625
6.4 5.15 6.6 0.15 6.8 -0.0625
6.8 5.21 7 0.125 7.2 0.125
7.2 5.26 7.4 0.175 7.6 -0.125
7.6 5.33 7.8 0.125 8 0.0625
8 5.38 8.2 0.15 8.4 0.0625
8.4 5.44 8.6 0.175 8.8 -0.0625
8.8 5.51 9 0.15 9.2 0.25
9.2 5.57 9.4 0.25 9.6 0.4375
9.6 5.67 9.8 0.425 10 -0.25
10 5.84 10.2 0.325 10.4 0.125
10.4 5.97 10.6 0.375 10.8 0.375
10.8 6.12 11 0.525 11.2 0.5
11.2 6.33 11.4 0.725 11.6 4.625
11.6 6.62 11.8 2.575 12 0.231523224
12 7.65 12.2 -0.203278689

4 April 2024 | Experiment # 1 | Chem 126L | 13

 12.4 10.13

Trial 3 1st derivative 2nd derivative

Vol. (dropwise) pH (V1+V2)/2 Δ(ΔpH/ΔV) (V1+V2)/2 Δ(pH/ΔV)ΔV
0 4.08 0.05 0 0.1 2
0.1 4.08 0.15 0.2 0.2 -2
0.2 4.1 0.25 0 0.3 0
0.3 4.1 0.35 0 0.4 1
0.4 4.1 0.45 0.1 0.5 2
0.5 4.11 0.55 0.3 0.6 -1
0.6 4.14 0.65 0.2 0.7 -1
0.7 4.16 0.75 0.1 0.8 1
0.8 4.17 0.85 0.2 0.9 -2
0.9 4.19 0.95 0 1 2
1 4.19 1.05 0.2 1.1 -1
1.1 4.21 1.15 0.1 1.2 -1
1.2 4.22 1.25 0 1.3 1
1.3 4.22 1.35 0.1 1.4 1
1.4 4.23 1.45 0.2 1.5 -1
1.5 4.25 1.55 0.1 1.6 -2.22045E-15
1.6 4.26 1.65 0.1 1.7 8.88178E-14
1.7 4.27 1.75 0.1 1.8 -8.65974E-14
1.8 4.28 1.85 0.1 1.9 0
1.9 4.29 1.95 0.1 2 -6.66134E-15
2 4.3 2.05 0.1 2.1 9.76996E-14
2.1 4.31 2.15 0.1 2.2 -8.88178E-14
2.2 4.32 2.25 0.1 2.3 -8.88178E-15
2.3 4.33 2.35 0.1 2.4 8.88178E-15
2.4 4.34 2.45 0.1 2.5 7.99361E-14
2.5 4.35 2.55 0.1 2.6 -7.99361E-14
2.6 4.36 2.65 0.1 2.7 0
2.7 4.37 2.75 0.1 2.8 -8.88178E-15
2.8 4.38 2.85 0.1 2.9 9.76996E-14
2.9 4.39 2.95 0.1 3 -9.76996E-14
3 4.4 3.05 0.1 3.1 8.88178E-15
3.1 4.41 3.15 0.1 3.2 0
3.2 4.42 3.25 0.1 3.3 7.99361E-14
3.3 4.43 3.35 0.1 3.4 2
3.4 4.44 3.45 0.3 3.5 -1
3.5 4.47 3.55 0.2 3.6 -1
3.6 4.49 3.65 0.1 3.7 0
3.7 4.5 3.75 0.1 3.8 1
3.8 4.51 3.85 0.2 3.9 1

4 April 2024 | Experiment # 1 | Chem 126L | 14

3.9 4.53 3.95 0.3 4 -2
4 4.56 4.05 0.1 4.1 -7.99361E-14
4.1 4.57 4.15 0.1 4.2 0
4.2 4.58 4.25 0.1 4.3 -1
4.3 4.59 4.35 0 4.4 1
4.4 4.59 4.45 0.1 4.5 1
4.5 4.6 4.55 0.2 4.6 -2
4.6 4.62 4.65 0 4.7 2
4.7 4.62 4.75 0.2 4.8 -1
4.8 4.64 4.85 0.1 4.9 -7.99361E-14
4.9 4.65 4.95 0.1 5 -8.88178E-15
5 4.66 5.05 0.1 5.1 8.88178E-15
5.1 4.67 5.15 0.1 5.2 8.88178E-14
5.2 4.68 5.25 0.1 5.3 -9.76996E-14
5.3 4.69 5.35 0.1 5.4 -1
5.4 4.7 5.45 0 5.5 1
5.5 4.7 5.55 0.1 5.6 8.88178E-15
5.6 4.71 5.65 0.1 5.7 8.88178E-14
5.7 4.72 5.75 0.1 5.8 -9.76996E-14
5.8 4.73 5.85 0.1 5.9 8.88178E-15
5.9 4.74 5.95 0.1 6 -8.88178E-15
6 4.75 6.05 0.1 6.1 8.88178E-15
6.1 4.76 6.15 0.1 6.2 -1
6.2 4.77 6.25 0 6.3 1
6.3 4.77 6.35 0.1 6.4 -7.99361E-14
6.4 4.78 6.45 0.1 6.5 -8.88178E-15
6.5 4.79 6.55 0.1 6.6 8.88178E-15
6.6 4.8 6.65 0.1 6.7 8.88178E-14
6.7 4.81 6.75 0.1 6.8 -9.76996E-14
6.8 4.82 6.85 0.1 6.9 -1
6.9 4.83 6.95 0 7 1
7 4.83 7.05 0.1 7.1 -1
7.1 4.84 7.15 0 7.2 1
7.2 4.84 7.25 0.1 7.3 7.99361E-14
7.3 4.85 7.35 0.1 7.4 -7.99361E-14
7.4 4.86 7.45 0.1 7.5 -1
7.5 4.87 7.55 0 7.6 0
7.6 4.87 7.65 0 7.7 1
7.7 4.87 7.75 0.1 7.8 -8.88178E-15
7.8 4.88 7.85 0.1 7.9 8.88178E-14
7.9 4.89 7.95 0.1 8 -6.21725E-14
8 4.9 8.05 0.1 8.1 -3.55271E-14
8.1 4.91 8.15 0.1 8.2 0
8.2 4.92 8.25 0.1 8.3 1.24345E-13
8.3 4.93 8.35 0.1 8.4 -1.24345E-13

4 April 2024 | Experiment # 1 | Chem 126L | 15

 8.4 4.94 8.45 0.1 8.5 3.55271E-14
8.5 4.95 8.55 0.1 8.6 -3.55271E-14
8.6 4.96 8.65 0.1 8.7 8.88178E-14
8.7 4.97 8.75 0.1 8.8 -5.32907E-14
8.8 4.98 8.85 0.1 8.9 -1
8.9 4.99 8.95 0 9 1
9 4.99 9.05 0.1 9.1 -1
9.1 5 9.15 0 9.2 1
9.2 5 9.25 0.1 9.3 3.55271E-14
9.3 5.01 9.35 0.1 9.4 5.32907E-14
9.4 5.02 9.45 0.1 9.5 -5.32907E-14
9.5 5.03 9.55 0.1 9.6 -1
9.6 5.04 9.65 0 9.7 1
9.7 5.04 9.75 0.1 9.8 3.55271E-14
9.8 5.05 9.85 0.1 9.9 -1
9.9 5.06 9.95 0 10 1
10 5.06 10.05 0.1 10.1 -1.24345E-13
10.1 5.07 10.15 0.1 10.2 -1
10.2 5.08 10.25 0 10.3 1
10.3 5.08 10.35 0.1 10.4 -3.55271E-14
10.4 5.09 10.45 0.1 10.5 -1
10.5 5.1 10.55 0 10.6 1
10.6 5.1 10.65 0.1 10.7 -1
10.7 5.11 10.75 0 10.8 1
10.8 5.11 10.85 0.1 10.9 -3.55271E-14
10.9 5.12 10.95 0.1 11 -1
11 5.13 11.05 0 11.1 1
11.1 5.13 11.15 0.1 11.2 -1
11.2 5.14 11.25 0 11.3 1
11.3 5.14 11.35 0.1 11.4 -1
11.4 5.15 11.45 0 11.5 1
11.5 5.15 11.55 0.1 11.6 -3.55271E-14
11.6 5.16 11.65 0.1 11.7 -1
11.7 5.17 11.75 0 11.8 1
11.8 5.17 11.85 0.1 11.9 5.32907E-14
11.9 5.18 11.95 0.1 12 -1
12 5.19 12.05 0 12.1 1
12.1 5.19 12.15 0.1 12.2 -1
12.2 5.2 12.25 0 12.3 1
12.3 5.2 12.35 0.1 12.4 -3.55271E-14
12.4 5.21 12.45 0.1 12.5 -1
12.5 5.22 12.55 0 12.6 2
12.6 5.22 12.65 0.2 12.7 -1
12.7 5.24 12.75 0.1 12.8 3.55271E-14
12.8 5.25 12.85 0.1 12.9 -1

4 April 2024 | Experiment # 1 | Chem 126L | 16

12.9 5.26 12.95 0 13 1
13 5.26 13.05 0.1 13.1 -1
13.1 5.27 13.15 0 13.2 1
13.2 5.27 13.25 0.1 13.3 -5.32907E-14
13.3 5.28 13.35 0.1 13.4 1
13.4 5.29 13.45 0.2 13.5 -1
13.5 5.31 13.55 0.1 13.6 -1.24345E-13
13.6 5.32 13.65 0.1 13.7 1
13.7 5.33 13.75 0.2 13.8 -2
13.8 5.35 13.85 0 13.9 1
13.9 5.35 13.95 0.1 14 -1
14 5.36 14.05 0 14.1 3
14.1 5.36 14.15 0.3 14.2 -3
14.2 5.39 14.25 0 14.3 3
14.3 5.39 14.35 0.3 14.4 -2
14.4 5.42 14.45 0.1 14.5 1.24345E-13
14.5 5.43 14.55 0.1 14.6 -1.24345E-13
14.6 5.44 14.65 0.1 14.7 0
14.7 5.45 14.75 0.1 14.8 -1
14.8 5.46 14.85 0 14.9 1
14.9 5.46 14.95 0.1 15 1
15 5.47 15.05 0.2 15.1 -1
15.1 5.49 15.15 0.1 15.2 0
15.2 5.5 15.25 0.1 15.3 3.55271E-14
15.3 5.51 15.35 0.1 15.4 5.32907E-14
15.4 5.52 15.45 0.1 15.5 -1
15.5 5.53 15.55 0 15.6 1
15.6 5.53 15.65 0.1 15.7 0
15.7 5.54 15.75 0.1 15.8 3.55271E-14
15.8 5.55 15.85 0.1 15.9 -1
15.9 5.56 15.95 0 16 1
16 5.56 16.05 0.1 16.1 -1.24345E-13
16.1 5.57 16.15 0.1 16.2 -1
16.2 5.58 16.25 0 16.3 1
16.3 5.58 16.35 0.1 16.4 -3.55271E-14
16.4 5.59 16.45 0.1 16.5 1
16.5 5.6 16.55 0.2 16.6 -1
16.6 5.62 16.65 0.1 16.7 0
16.7 5.63 16.75 0.1 16.8 1.24345E-13
16.8 5.64 16.85 0.1 16.9 -1.24345E-13
16.9 5.65 16.95 0.1 17 3.55271E-14
17 5.66 17.05 0.1 17.1 1
17.1 5.67 17.15 0.2 17.2 -8.88178E-14
17.2 5.69 17.25 0.2 17.3 -2
17.3 5.71 17.35 0 17.4 1

4 April 2024 | Experiment # 1 | Chem 126L | 17

17.4 5.71 17.45 0.1 17.5 1.24345E-13
17.5 5.72 17.55 0.1 17.6 -1.24345E-13
17.6 5.73 17.65 0.1 17.7 0
17.7 5.74 17.75 0.1 17.8 4
17.8 5.75 17.85 0.5 17.9 -4
17.9 5.8 17.95 0.1 18 -1
18 5.81 18.05 0 18.1 1
18.1 5.81 18.15 0.1 18.2 -8.88178E-14
18.2 5.82 18.25 0.1 18.3 1
18.3 5.83 18.35 0.2 18.4 -1
18.4 5.85 18.45 0.1 18.5 -5.32907E-14
18.5 5.86 18.55 0.1 18.6 -1
18.6 5.87 18.65 0 18.7 1
18.7 5.87 18.75 0.1 18.8 3.55271E-14
18.8 5.88 18.85 0.1 18.9 3
18.9 5.89 18.95 0.4 19 -1
19 5.93 19.05 0.3 19.1 -1.06581E-13
19.1 5.96 19.15 0.3 19.2 -8.88178E-14
19.2 5.99 19.25 0.3 19.3 -2
19.3 6.02 19.35 0.1 19.4 1
19.4 6.03 19.45 0.2 19.5 1
19.5 6.05 19.55 0.3 19.6 -2
19.6 6.08 19.65 0.1 19.7 2
19.7 6.09 19.75 0.3 19.8 -2
19.8 6.12 19.85 0.1 19.9 1
19.9 6.13 19.95 0.2 20 -1
20 6.15 20.05 0.1 20.1 3
20.1 6.16 20.15 0.4 20.2 1
20.2 6.2 20.25 0.5 20.3 -2
20.3 6.25 20.35 0.3 20.4 7
20.4 6.28 20.45 1 20.5 4.44089E-13
20.5 6.38 20.55 1 20.6 -8
20.6 6.48 20.65 0.2 20.7 11
20.7 6.5 20.75 1.3 20.8 -8
20.8 6.63 20.85 0.5 20.9 -3
20.9 6.68 20.95 0.2 21 9
21 6.7 21.05 1.1 21.1 -3.01981E-13
21.1 6.81 21.15 1.1 21.2 -9
21.2 6.92 21.25 0.2 21.3 2
21.3 6.94 21.35 0.4 21.4 84
21.4 6.98 21.45 8.8 21.5 -86
21.5 7.86 21.55 0.2 21.6 50
21.6 7.88 21.65 5.2 21.7 -21
21.7 8.4 21.75 3.1 21.8 -18
21.8 8.71 21.85 1.3 21.9 39

4 April 2024 | Experiment # 1 | Chem 126L | 18

 21.9 8.84 21.95 5.2 22 -51
22 9.36 22.05 0.1 22.1 1.42109E-13
22.1 9.37 22.15 0.1 22.2 -1.77636E-13
22.2 9.38 22.25 0.1 22.3 3.55271E-14
22.3 9.39 22.35 0.1 22.4 -3.55271E-14
22.4 9.4 22.45 0.1 22.5 -1
22.5 9.41 22.55 0 22.6 1
22.6 9.41 22.65 0.1 22.7 0
22.7 9.42 22.75 0.1 22.8 3.55271E-14
22.8 9.43 22.85 0.1 22.9 0.00438584
22.9 9.44 22.95 -0.00043573
23 9.45

Sample Calculations

Trial 1

𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏

𝑦 = 0.17(4.5) + 4.154

pKa= 4.919

Ka=10−𝑝𝐾𝑎

=10−4.919

Ka= 1.21 × 10−5

0.0839 9 𝑚𝐿 1𝐿 1 𝑚𝑜𝑙 𝐻+
𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑐. 𝑀 =
𝐿 𝑠𝑜𝑙′𝑛
×
1
×
1000 𝑚𝐿
×
1 mol NaOH
= 7.551 × 10−4 mol acid

0.2023 𝑔 𝑔
𝑀𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑊𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 = −4
= 267.91
7.551 × 10 𝑚𝑜𝑙 𝑚𝑜𝑙

Trial 2

𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏

𝑦 = 0.1436(5.9) + 4.2356

pKa= 5.08284

Ka=10−𝑝𝐾𝑎

=10−5.08284

Ka= 8.26 × 10−6

4 April 2024 | Experiment # 1 | Chem 126L | 19

Trial 3

𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑏

𝑦 = 0.07(10.725) + 4.361

pKa= 5.11175

Ka=10−𝑝𝐾𝑎

=10−5.11175

Ka= 7.73 × 10−6

Average pKa= 5.037863333

Average MW= 194.88 g/mol

Calculation for % Error

For KHP:

|𝐴𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 − 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙| |5.037863333 − 5.41|

% 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 𝑝𝐾𝑎 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝐾𝐻𝑃 = 𝑋 100 = 𝑋 100 = 6.88 %
𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 5.41
For Potassium Bitartrate:

|5.037863333 − 5.41|
% 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 𝑝𝐾𝑎 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑃𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑢𝑚 𝐵𝑖𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒 = 𝑋 100 = 10.97 %
5.41
Calculation for Molecular Weight

For KHP:

|194.88 − 204.23|
% 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝐾𝐻𝑃 = 𝑋 100 = 4.58 %
204.23
For Potassium Bitartrate:

|194.88 − 188.18|
% 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑃𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑢𝑚 𝐵𝑖𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒 = 𝑋 100 = 3.56 %
188.18

4 April 2024 | Experiment # 1 | Chem 126L | 20

REFERENCES

Lee, J. (2021, March 22). What is pKa? ChemTalk. https://chemistrytalk.org/what-is-pka/

Richardson, K., & Roessler, M. (2013). Potentiometric Titration - an overview | ScienceDirect

Topics. Sciencedirect.com. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemistry/potentiometric-

titration

4 April 2024 | Experiment # 1 | Chem 126L | 21