Titraatioanalyysi

Titraatioanalyysi, or titration, is a common laboratory method used to determine the concentration of a substance, the analyte, by reacting it with a solution of known concentration, the titrant. The titrant is gradually added to the analyte until the reaction is complete, indicated by a visible change, typically a color change due to an indicator.

The fundamental principle of titration relies on stoichiometry, where the amount of titrant added can be precisely calculated based on the known concentration and volume used. At the point where the reaction is just complete, known as the equivalence point, the moles of titrant reacted are stoichiometrically equivalent to the moles of analyte present.

Several types of titrations exist, including acid-base titrations, redox titrations, precipitation titrations, and complexometric titrations, each employing different chemical reactions and indicators. Acid-base titrations involve the reaction between an acid and a base, with indicators like phenolphthalein or methyl orange signaling the endpoint. Redox titrations involve oxidation-reduction reactions, often using indicators that change color in response to changes in the redox potential.

The accuracy of titration analysis depends on precise measurements of volumes and the careful selection of an appropriate indicator that changes color close to the equivalence point. Titration remains a cornerstone technique in quantitative chemical analysis across various fields, including chemistry, pharmacy, and environmental science, for its reliability and cost-effectiveness.