ABSTRACT

Vinegar is a liquid consisting mainly of acetic acid (CH 3COOH) and water or basically it is a
dilute solution of acetic acid. Vinegar is a very common household item. Because of its
chemical properties vinegar can be used in a variety of ways: to clean coffee makers, as a
salad dressing, as a disinfectant, as a preservative, and in cooking.
The concentration of a solution is defined as the amount of solute in a given amount of
solvent. To determine the molarity of a solution and the percent by mass of acetic acid in
vinegar, titration method is used with the standardized sodium hydroxide solution. All
measurements such as volumes, lengths, weights have associated errors. Standardization of
sodium hydroxide solution,150 mL of approximately 0.6 M sodium hydroxide solution is
prepared from NaOH solid. Determination of acetic acid concentration in vinegar, 10 mL
vinegar is transferred to a clean, dry 250 mL beaker using a 10 mL volumetric pipette. Firstly
before we start the procedure, we had been wear glove and a goggle as precaution step to
avoid any injuries from happen. The standardization of sodium hydroxide solution, we titrate
the KHP with NaOH solution. The conclusion of this experiment, we can determine the
molarity of the KHP and the acetic acid by knowing the equivalent point. Each student in the
lab must be well prepared before entering the lab. The apparatus used in the experiment must
be suitable.

Introduction
Titration is a process which a small increment of a solution of known concentration are added
to a specific volume of a solution of unknown concentration until the stoichiometry for that
reaction is attained.
This experiment is to determine the molarity of a solution and the percent by mass of acetic
acid in vinegar by titration with a standardized sodium hydroxide solution. The experiment is
divided into two parts where the first one is to prepare standardizing sodium hydroxide
solution which will be titrated to potassium hydrogen phthalate, KHC 8H4O4(aq) solution and
the second one is to determining the molarity and percentage by mass of the acetic acid in
vinegar.
The concentration of acetic acid in vinegar may be expressed in two specific terms, as a
molarity or as a mass percent where;
Molarity (M) =

moles of solute
liter of solution

grams of solute
Percent solute = grams of solution

In this case, we used;

Molarity =

moles of acetic acid (mol)

volume of vinegar (L)

mass of acetic acid

Mass percent = mass of vinegar

x 100

By performing titration, both molarity and percent by mass of acetic acid can be determined.
The purpose of titration is to determine the equivalence point of the reaction. In order to
know where the equivalence is reached, an indicator is used to usually signal the end of
reaction also known as the endpoint. The equivalence point is reach when the added quantity
of one reactant is the exact amount necessary for stoichiometric reaction with another
reactant.

Aims
To determine the molarity of a solution and the percent by mass of acetic acid in vinegar by
titration with the standardized sodium hydroxide solution.
Theory
Burette are used to perform titrations in which they accurately deliver a measureable volume
of a liquid. A typical burette has the smallest calibration unit of 0.1 mL, therefore, volume
dispense should be estimated to the nearest 0.01 mL.
In this experiment, the equivalence point is reached when the moles of acid in the solution
equals to the moles of base added in titration. For acid-base titration, the known chemical
reaction in general is:
Acid + base

water + salt

and for the titration of vinegar in this experiment specifically reaction will be used is:
CH3CO2H(aq) + NaOH(aq)

NaCH3CO2(aq) + H2O(l)

where the NaOH will be the standard reactant solution and acetic acid the calculated
unknown reactant.
The sudden change in pH of solution indicates the titration has reached the equivalence point.
pH is a measure of hydrogen ion concentration, [H3O+]. pH is defined as:
pH = - log [H3O+]
pH is a measure of acidity or alkalinity of a solution. pH electrode will be used in this
experiment. As NaOH is incrementally added to the acid solution, some of hydrogen ions will
be neutralized. As the hydrogen ion concentration decreases, the pH of the solution will
gradually increase. When sufficient NaOH is added to completely neutralized the acid, the
next drop of NaOH added will cause a sudden sharp increase in pH. Here, the volume of base
required to completely neutralized the acid is determine at the equivalence point of titration.

Apparatus

250mL beaker
Burette
Measuring cylinder
Retort stand
Stirrer
250 mL Erlenmeyer flask
Weighing machine
Filter funnel

Material
Distilled water
KHP solid
NaOH solid
Vinegar

Methodology/Procedure
Standardization of sodium hydroxide solution
1. Approximately 250 mL of 0.6 M sodium hydroxide solution is prepared from NaOH solid
in a beaker. The calculation to preparing the solution is checked with the laboratory
instructor. The calculation is recorded.
2. A 250 mL beaker is weighted and the mass is recorded to the nearest 0.001g. 1.5 grams of
KHP is added to the beaker. The mass of the beaker and the KHP is recorded to the nearest
0.001g. The mass of KHP by difference is calculated and recorded. 30 mL of distilled water is
added to the beaker. The solution is stirred until the KHP has dissolved completely.
3. The KHP solution is neutralizing by titrate it with the NaOH solution. The volume of
NaOH required to neutralize the KHP is recorded each every 1 mL until the KHP is
neutralized. The pH is recorded using pH measuring instrument.
4. steps 1 to 3 was repeated twice. The data was recorded.
Determination of Acetic Acid Concentration In Vinegar
1. 10.00 mL vinegar is transferred to a clean, dry 250 mL beaker using a 10 mL volumetric
pipette. Sufficient water was added, 75 to 100 mL, to cover the pH electrode tip during
titration.
2. The volume of NaOH required to neutralize the vinegar is recorded each every 1 mL until
the vinegar is neutralized. The pH value of solution was recorded in each addition of 1mL
NaOH.
3. Step 1 and 2 is repeated to perform a second titration of vinegar with the standardize
NaOH.
4. The graph of pH vs volume NaOH added is plotted. From the plot, the volume of NaOH
required to neutralize vinegar in each titration is determined and recorded.

Results
Standardization of sodium hydroxide solution

Mass of beaker (g)

Mass of beaker +

Titration 1
0.001
1.501

Titration 2
0.001
1.483

Titration 3
0.001
1.498

KHP (g)
Mass of KHP (g)
Volume of NaOH to

1.500
13.01

1.482
13.00

1.497
13.01

neutralize the KHP

solution (mL)
Table 1

Volume NaOH (ml)

0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

pH -1st trial
4.06
4.79
4.96
5.1
5.27
5.37
5.49
5.61
5.76
5.9
6.08
6.34
6.76
11.9
12.56
12.78
12.9
13
13.07
13.12
13.16
13.19
13.22
13.25
13.27
13.28

pH -2nd trial
4.59
4.78
4.94
5.13
5.25
5.35
5.49
5.61
5.73
5.87
6.02
6.29
6.53
8.53
12.13
12.63
12.9
12.95
12.99
13.04
13.08
13.12
13.14
13.17
13.19
13.21
Table 2

pH -3rd trial
4.59
4.81
4.95
5.19
5.26
5.4
5.51
5.65
5.83
5.98
6.14
6.36
6.73
11.84
12.46
12.7
12.8
12.9
12.95
13
13.04
13.07
13.1
13.13
13.15
13.17

Titration curve
14
12
10
8
pH

Ph

6
4
2
0
0

10

15

20

25

Volume of NaOH (ml)

Slope of the titration curve

12
10
8
Slope for the gradient

slope

4
2
0
5 6 7 8 9 1011121314151617181920
Volume of NaOH (ml)

Figure 1: titration, 1st trial

Titration curve
14
12
10
8
pH

pH
6
4
2
0
0

10

15

20

25

30

Volume of NaOH (ml)

Slope of the titration curve

12
10
8
6

slope

Slope od the gradient

4
2
0
6
5

8
7

10 12 14 16 18 20
9 11 13 15 17 19

Volume of NaOH (ml)

Figure 2: titration, 2nd trial

Titration curve
14
12
10
8
pH

pH
6
4
2
0
0

10

15

20

25

30

Volume of NaOH (ml)

Slope of the titration curve

12
10
8
6

slope

Slope of the gradient

4
2
0
6
5

8
7

10 12 14 16 18 20
9 11 13 15 17 19

Volume of NaOH (ml)

Figure 3: titration, 3rd trial

Determination of acetic acid in vinegar

Volume of NaOH required

Titration 1
18.00

Titration 2
19.01

Titration 3
19.00

to neutralized vinegar
(mL)

Volume of NaOH
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28

pH -1st trial
3.21
3.65
4.02
4.23
4.38
4.58
4.68
4.77
4.88
4.97
5.08
5.16
5.28
5.4
5.53
5.67
5.85
6.18
6.71
11.55
11.96
12.15
12.27
12.36
12.43
12.48
12.53
12.57
12.6
Table 3

pH -2nd trial
3.18
3.67
4.05
4.24
4.39
4.52
4.65
4.77
4.86
4.96
5.05
5.13
5.22
5.34
5.45
5.57
5.7
5.88
6.16
6.72
11.59
12.02
12.2
12.32
12.43
12.49
12.56
12.6
12.64

pH -3rd trial
3.28
3.65
4.08
4.29
4.44
4.59
4.7
4.8
4.9
5.01
5.1
5.19
5.28
5.39
5.51
5.63
5.77
5.97
6.26
7.62
11.77
12.13
12.26
12.38
12.44
12.5
12.55
12.59
12.63

Titration curve
14
12
10
8
pH

pH
6
4
2
0
0

10

15

20

25

30

Volume of NaOH (ml)

Slope of the titration curve

12
10
8
6

slope

Slope of the gradient

4
2
0
11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25
10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24
Volume of NaOH (ml)

Figure 4: titration, 1st trial

Titration curve
14
12
10
8
pH

pH
6
4
2
0
0

10

15

20

25

30

Volume of NaOH (ml)

Slope of the titration curve

12
10
8
6

slope

Slope of the gradient

4
2
0
11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25
10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24
Volume of the NaOH (ml)

Figure 5: titration, 2nd trial

Titration curve
14
12
10
8
pH

pH
6
4
2
0
0

10

15

20

25

30

Volume of NaOH (ml)

Slope of the titration curve

12
10
8
6

slope

Slope of the gradient

4
2
0
11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25
10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24
Volume of NaOH (ml)

Figure 6: titration, 3rd trial

Calculation
Calculation for standardizing a based with KHP
Molarity of NaOH solution in each titration
Titration 1.
Moles of KHP used in titration.

n KH C H
8

O4

= 1.500 g

KH C 8 H 4 O4

= 0.007346 mol

1 mol of KH C 8 H 4 O4
204.2 g KH C 8 H 4 O 4

KH C 8 H 4 O4

Moles of NaOH required to neutralize the moles of KHP.

n NaOH

= 0.007346 mol

KH C 8 H 4 O4

= 0.007346 mol

NaOH

1 mol NaOH
1 mol KH C 8 H 4 O4

Molarity of NaOH solution

13.01 mL NaOH x

M=

1L
=
1000 mL

0.01301 L NaOH

mol NaOH 0.007346 mol NaOH

=
L of solution
0.01301 L NaOH

0.5646 mol NaOH

L solution

Titration 2
Moles of KHP used in titration.

n KH C H
8

O4

= 1.482 g

KH C 8 H 4 O4

= 0.007258 mol

1 mol of KH C 8 H 4 O4
204.2 g KH C 8 H 4 O 4

KH C 8 H 4 O4

Moles of NaOH required to neutralize the moles of KHP.

n NaOH

= 0.007258 mol

KH C 8 H 4 O4

= 0.007258 mol

NaOH

1 mol NaOH
1 mol KH C 8 H 4 O4

= 0.5646 M NaOH

Molarity of NaOH solution

13.00 mL NaOH x

M=

1L
=
1000 mL

0.01300 L NaOH

mol NaOH 0.007258 mol NaOH

=
L of solution
0.01300 L NaOH

0.5583mol NaOH
L solution

= 0.5583 M NaOH

Titration 3.
Moles of KHP used in titration.

n KH C H
8

O4

= 1.497 g

KH C 8 H 4 O4

= 0.007331 mol

1 mol of KH C 8 H 4 O4
204.2 g KH C 8 H 4 O 4

KH C 8 H 4 O4

Moles of NaOH required to neutralize the moles of KHP.

n NaOH

= 0.007331 mol

KH C 8 H 4 O4

= 0.007331 mol

NaOH

1 mol NaOH
1 mol KH C 8 H 4 O4

Molarity of NaOH solution

13.01 mL NaOH x

M=

1L
=
1000 mL

0.01301 L NaOH

mol NaOH 0.007331mol NaOH

=
L of solution
0.01301 L NaOH

Average molarity =

0.5635mol NaOH
L solution

= 0.5635 M NaOH

0.5646+0.5583+0.5635
= 0.5621 M NaOH
3

Calculation for determining the acetic acid concentration in vinegar

Titration 1

Moles of NaOH that reacted

1L
= 0.01800 L NaOH
1000 mL

18.00 mL of NaOH x

0.01800 L NaOH x

The mole of

CH 3 COOH

0.01012 mol NaOH

Molarity of the

neutralized by moles of NaOH

1 mol CH 3 COOH
=0.01012 mol
1 mol NaOH

CH 3 COOH

CH 3 COOH solution
1L
=0.010 LCH 3 COOH solution
1000 mL

CH 3 COOH x

10 mL

M=

0.5621 mol NaOH

=0.01012mol NaOH
1 L NaOH solution

mol CH 3 COOH
Lof solution

0.01012mol CH 3 COOH
=1.012 M CH 3 COOH
0.010 L solution

The mass of acetic acid in the solution

CH 3 COOH

10 mL

CH 3 COOH

0.010 L

1L
1000 mL

= 0.010 L

CH 3 COOH

1.012 M CH 3 COOH
x
1 L solution

60.6 g CH 3 COOH
1 mol CH 3 COOH

=0.6133 g

CH 3 COOH
The mass of the acetic acid solution
10mL

CH 3 COOH

solution x

1 g CH 3 COOH solution
1 mL CH 3 COOH solution

= 10.0 G

CH 3 COOH

solution
The percent by mass of the acetic acid in the solution
Percent mass

CH 3 COOH =

0.6133 g CH 3 COOH
x 100
10.00 g CH 3 COOH

= 6.133%

CH 3 COOH

Titration 2
Moles of NaOH that reacted

1L
= 0.01901 L NaOH
1000 mL

19.01 mL of NaOH x

0.01901 L NaOH x

The mole of

CH 3 COOH

0.01068 mol NaOH

Molarity of the

neutralized by moles of NaOH

1 mol CH 3 COOH
=0.01068 mol
1 mol NaOH

CH 3 COOH

CH 3 COOH solution
1L
=0.010 LCH 3 COOH solution
1000 mL

CH 3 COOH x

10 mL

M=

0.5621 mol NaOH

=0.01068mol NaOH
1 L NaOH solution

mol CH 3 COOH
Lof solution

0.01068mol CH 3 COOH
=1.068 M CH 3 COOH
0.010 L solution

The mass of acetic acid in the solution

CH 3 COOH

10 mL

CH 3 COOH

0.010 L

1L
1000 mL

= 0.010 L

CH 3 COOH

1.068 M CH 3 COOH
x
1 L solut ion

60.6 g CH 3 COOH
1 mol CH 3 COOH

= 0.6472 g

CH 3 COOH
The mass of the acetic acid solution
10mL

CH 3 COOH

solution x

1 g CH 3 COOH solution
1 mL CH 3 COOH solution

= 10.0 G

CH 3 COOH

solution
The percent by mass of the acetic acid in the solution
Percent mass

CH 3 COOH =

0.6472 g CH 3 COOH
10.00 g CH 3 COOH

x 100%= 6.472 %

CH 3 COOH

Titration 3
Moles of NaOH that reacted

1L
= 0.01900 L NaOH
1000 mL

19.00 mL of NaOH x

0.01900 L NaOH x

The mole of

CH 3 COOH

0.01068 mol NaOH

Molarity of the

neutralized by moles of NaOH

1 mol CH 3 COOH
=0.01068 mol
1 mol NaOH

CH 3 COOH

CH 3 COOH solution
1L
=0.010 LCH 3 COOH solution
1000 mL

CH 3 COOH x

10 mL

M=

0.5621 mol NaOH

=0.01068mol NaOH
1 L NaOH solution

mol CH 3 COOH
Lof solution

0.01068mol CH 3 COOH
=1.068 M CH 3 COOH
0.010 L solution

The mass of acetic acid in the solution

CH 3 COOH

10 mL

CH 3 COOH

0.010 L

1L
1000 mL

= 0.010 L

CH 3 COOH

1.068 M CH 3 COOH
x
1 L solution

60.6 g CH 3 COOH
1 mol CH 3 COOH

= 0.6472 g

CH 3 COOH
The mass of the acetic acid solution
10mL

CH 3 COOH

solution x

1 g CH 3 COOH solution
1 mL CH 3 COOH solution

solution
The percent by mass of the acetic acid in the solution

= 10.0 G

CH 3 COOH

Percent mass

CH 3 COOH =

0.6472 g CH 3 COOH
10.00 g CH 3 COOH

Average molarity of acetic acid,

CH 3 COOH =

x 100%= 6.472 %

1.012+ 1.068+ 1.068

3

Average percent by mass of acetic acid in vinegar,

6.133+ 6.472+ 6.472

3

CH 3 COOH

CH 3 COOH

= 1.0493 M

= 6.359 %

Discussion- Titrate the KHP with NaOH solution for the standardization of sodium
hydroxide solution. The titration is stopped until the constant read of pH value is
showed. The equivalence point is the point in the titration in which enough standard
solution has been added to react exactly with the substance being determined.
Titration 1 gives us the equivalent point of 13.01 mL, equivalent point of 13.00 mL for
titration 2 and 13.01 mL for titration 3. The reactants are mixed in exact molar
proportions represented by the balanced equation. The standard solution is a
solution for which the concentration (molarity) is accurately known. The molarity for
titration 1 is 0.5646 M, titration 2 is 0.5583 M, for titration 3 is 0.5635 M. The average
molarity for titration 1, 2 and 3 is 0.5621 M. The average molarity is then used in
PART B calculation to get the molarity of acetic acid in vinegar. The equivalent point
for acetic acid titration 1 is 18.00 mL, titration 2 is 19.01 mL, and titration 3 is 19.00
mL. The molarity for titration 1 is 1.012 M, titration 2 is 1.068 M and titration 3 is
1.068. The mass and percentage mass for titration 1, titration 2 and titration 3 are
0.6133 g, 6.133%, 0.6472 g, 6.472%, 0.6472 g, 6.472% respectively. The average
percentage mass is 6.359%. From the theory, the percentage of vinegar is 1.963%. It
is less than the calculation. The pattern of the graph from the theory is the same as

the titration 1 and titration 2. The different of the percentage mass of theory and the
calculation is due to an error. In this experiment, it happens that parallax error is
occurred from the preparation of KHP solution and the reading of burette.

Conclusion- The conclusion of this experiment, we can determine the molarity of

the KHP and the acetic acid by knowing the equivalent point. We can also calculate
the mass of the acetic acid and percentage of acid if the molarity and equivalence
point are known. The average percentage mass of the acetic acid in this experiment
is 6.359%. while the theory percentage mass is 1.963%.
Recommendations- Each student in the lab must be well prepared before entering
the lab. The apparatus used in the experiment must be suitable. Before use the
apparatus, make sure to calibrate it first to avoid an error happen. Follow all the
procedures correctly and carry out the experiment seriously to avoid unnecessary
things from happen. Always wear a glove and goggle for safety. Repeat the titration if
necessary.

References
D. Spurlock (2013), Standardization of a Base, NaOH Class Notes. Retrieved
October 16, 2013 from
http://homepages.ius.edu/dspurloc/c121/week11.html
Acetic Acid Content of Vinegar (n.d.), Retrived October 17, 2013 from
http://firstyear.chem.usyd.edu.au/LabManual/E10.pdf
Bobby Stanton, Lin Zhu, Charles H. Atwood (2008) , Experiments in General
Chemistry Featuring Measure Net Guided Inquiry, Self-Directed, and
Capstone Second Edition
G. Carboni (2004), Experiment with Acid and Bases from

http://www.funsci.com/fun3_en/acids/acids.htm#11
Titration of Vinegar (n.d.), Retrived October 17, 2013 from
http://www.smc.edu/projects/28/chemistry_10_experiments/ch10_titration.pdf
Dr. Walter Scharf, Dr. Charles Malerich (n.d.), Determination of Acetic Acid Content
of Vinegar

APPENDIX

Apparatus to titrate the vinegar.

Always read the fluid level in the buret from the bottom of the meniscus.