Experiment 3: Determination of Mixed Alkali

dela Cruz, Marie Giecel V.

Pabilane, Alma
Group 6, Chem 27.1, SEJ1, Ms. Noime Walican
January 22, 2011

I. Abstract
Alkalimetry is uses two indicators to determine the total amount of real alkali in solutions with mixed
alkaline salts. The results can be expressed as %(w/v), and can be calculated from the molarity of the standard
solution titrant. In this experiment, the mixed alkali solution was titrated with HCl to determine the amount of
Na2CO3 and NaHCO3 in the solution. It was found that the unknown solution contained 0.5036% (w/v) Na2CO3
and 0.2172% (w/v) NaHCO3.

II. Keywords: alkalimetry, double indicator titration, mixed alkali, %(w/v) Na2CO3, %(w/v)NaHCO3

III. Objectives
In this experiment, the students must be able to:
(1) Prepare a standard hydrochloric acid
solution; and,
(2) Determine the carbonate and
bicarbonate content in a given sample.

IV. Introduction and Principles

Alkalimetry is the determination of the quantity of
real alkaline in alkali solutions or salts, either through
gravimetric or volumetric analysis. Most alkalimetric
procedures are based on Gay-Lussac’s method,
wherein a solution of carbonate is titrated with a
solution of strong acid (HCl or HNO 3), following a
series of steps until a color change is achieved.
In this experiment, two indicators were used to Figure 2. A sample titration curve showing the
measure the amount of carbonates and probable results of using two indicators in titration.
bicarbonates present in a solution of mixed alkali. In
Figure 1, the reaction of carbonate with HCl From Figure 2, it could be noted that after the
produces bicarbonate and water. Further reaction of first equivalence point, only HCO3- are present in the
the bicarbonate with HCl will produce a chloride salt, solution. This shows that, ideally, all CO32- have
CO2 and water. reacted with HCl and were transformed to NaHCO3.
However, if NaOH is present in the solution, the
titration curve will be slightly different because of the
presence of the hydroxide.

Figure 1. The reaction of Na2CO3 with HCl and V. Methodology and Materials
its further reactions. A. Preparation of 0.1M HCl

Figure 2 shows the probable titration curve that
could result from titration using two indicators,
phenolphthalein and methyl orange. However, in
this experiment, the other indicator was bromocresol
green instead of methyl orange.
The volume of concentrated hydrochloric acid
(HCl) needed to prepare 1L of 0.1M concentration
was computed. A volume equal to the calculated
amount was transferred into a 500-mL beaker with
300 mL CO2-free distilled water. The solution was
mixed and transferred to a 1-L volumetric flask and
diluted to the mark. The final solution was
transferred to a 1-L amber bottle.

B. Standardization of 0.1M HCl

Five grams of primary-standard grade Na2CO3

was dried at 110°C for 2 hours and was cooled in a
dessicator. After drying, three 0.20 to 0.21 g of the
Chemistry 156.1, Experiment 4: Surface Tension
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dried sodium carbonate was weighed by difference ALCARAZ, ANNA LYNN C.
and transferred to three labeled Erlenmeyer flasks.
The weights of the samples were noted and
recorded. DELA CRUZ, MARIE GIECEL V.
Each sample was dissolved in 25 mL distilled
water and 2 drops of bromocresol green was added
as indicator. Each sample was titrated with 0.1M DIANALAN, PUTRI ZAINAB UMEESALAM
HCl until the color changed gradually from blue to NUR-NASRIN R.
green. After the color change, the solution was
boiled gently for 2 minutes, until the blue color
returned. The sample was allowed to cool while
covered with a watch glass. The titration was
continued until a sharp blue to green or yellow color
change. The molarity of the titrant was calculated
from the recorded volumes.

C. Analysis of the Unknown

The unknown was dried at 110°C for 2 hours and

cooled in a dessicator. After drying, 0.20-0.21 g
unknown was weighed and transferred to three
numbered Erlenmeyer flasks. Twenty five milliliters
of CO2-free distilled water was transferred to the
flasks to dissolve the sample. Two drops of
phenolphthalein was added as indicator. The
solution was immersed in ice bath and then titrated
with the standardized HCl until the pink color
disappears. The solution was boiled gently for 2
minutes, until blue color returns. After boiling, the
solution was cooled while covered with watch glass
and then titrated with the standardized HCl until
color changes from blue to green. The %(w/v)
Na2CO3 and NaHCO3 as calculated for the sample.

VI. Results

VII. Discussion

VIII. Conclusion and Recommendations

IX. References
Spon, Ernest. “Acidimetry and Alkalimetry”.
American Library Edition of Workshop Receipts.
Vol 2. Spon and Chamberlain, 1903.
ChestofBooks.com: Read Books Online for
Free. 22 October 2010. Web. Accessed 06
January 2011
http://chestofbooks.com/crafts/mechanics/Works
hop-Receipts-2/Acidimetry-And-Alkalimetry.html

I hereby certify that I have given substantial

contribution to this report,

Chemistry 156.1, Experiment 4: Surface Tension

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