Standardizing a Solution of Sodium Hydroxide

Introduction

It is often necessary to test a solution of unknown concentration with a solution of a known, precise concentration. The process of determining the unknown’s concentration is called standardization.

Solutions of sodium hydroxide are virtually impossible to prepare to a precise molar concentration because the substance is hygroscopic. In fact, solid NaOH absorbs so much moisture from the air that a measured sample of the compound is never 100% NaOH. On the other hand, the acid salt potassium hydrogen phthalate, KHC₈H₄O₄, can be measured out in precise mass amounts. It reacts with NaOH in a simple 1:1 stoichiometric ratio, thus making it an ideal substance to use to standardize a solution of NaOH.

Objectives

In this experiment, you will

• Prepare an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide to a target molar concentration.
• Determine the concentration of your NaOH solution by titrating it with a solution of potassium hydrogen phthalate, abbreviated KHP, with an exact molar concentration.

Sensors and Equipment

This experiment features the following Vernier sensors and equipment.

Option 1

Option 2

Additional Requirements

You may also need an interface and software for data collection. What do I need for data collection?