I.

Introduction

Coulometry is an electroanalytical strategy which includes the measurement of the

amount of electricity (in coulombs) expected to change over the analyte quantitatively to an
alternate oxidation state. Like gravimetric methods, coulometry has the point of preference
that the proportionality constant between the measured quantity (charge in coulombs) and the
mass of analyte can be processed from known physical constants: consequently, calibration
or standardization is not generally needed. Coulometric methods are regularly as precise as
gravimetric or volumetric strategies and they are typically more rapid and more advantageous
than gravimetric techniques
Coulometric analysis is a use of Faraday's first law of electrolysis-the degree of chemical
reaction at an electrode is straightforwardly relative to the quantity of electricity going
through the electrode. The weight of substance created or expended in an electrolysis
including Q coulombs is given by the mathematical statement.
w=

MQ
96487 n

where M is the molecular mass of the substance consumed, n is the number of electrons
involved in the reaction. The fundamental requirement of a coulometric analysis is that the
electrode reaction used for the determination should proceed with 100% efficiency, so that
the quantity of substance reacted can be expressed by means of Faradays law.
Two general methods are utilized for coulometric investigation: controlled potential
(potentiostatic) coulometry and controlled-current (amperostatic) coulometry. In controlledpotential coulometry, the capability of working cathode is kept up at a consistent level such
that quantitative oxidation or decrease of the analyte happens without inclusion of less
reactive species in the solution. In this system, the current is at first high however diminishes
quickly and methodologies zero as the analyte is expelled from the solution.
Controlled-current coulometry utilizes a steady current, which goes through a cell until
an indicator signals the completion of the reaction. The amount of charge required to achieve
the end point is ascertained from the size of the current and from the time that the present
passes. This technique is much of the time alluded to as coulometric titration.
There are a few components to consider while selecting a coulometric titrator.
Sensitivity to Humidity
Humidity is probably the main source of error during the titration. Extraordinary
precautionary measures ought to be taken amid setup and testing, particularly in coastal or
tropical regions. The ventilating framework ought to be outfitted with a moisture condenser.

Additionally, a titrator ought not be introduced close to a cooling system vent. The titration
cells are encased to guarantee that water does not enter from the atmosphere; in any case, a
little measure of water quite often makes it into the titration cell. The measure of water that
enters over a timeframe is known as the float. Numerous makers will give determinations on
float qualities and most extreme allowable air humidity.
Sensitivity to pH
The chemical reaction is sensitive to the solutions acidity or alkalinity. The optimum pH
scope of the example answer for proficient titration is between pH 5.5 and 8. At the point
when the pH is greater than 8.5, it implies that the response rate increments because of
chemical side reactions. This outcome in a more slow endpoint and higher iodine utilization,
which will influence results. Buffering operators are accessible for acidic or basic samples to
keep an ideal pH somewhere around 5.5 and 8.
References
Coulometry
Retrieved on October 30, 2015 from
http://www.colby.edu/chemistry/PChem/lab/PE650-10S.pdf
Coulometric titration
Retrieved on October 30, 2015 from
http://www.machinerylubrication.com/Read/594/karl-fischer-coulometric-titration
Skoog & West (2014). Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry (9th ed). Cengage Learning:
California, USA.