tiitratsioonidele

titration, known in chemistry as a titratus or titracija, is a laboratory technique used to determine the concentration of an unknown solution by reacting it with a solution of known concentration. The process involves gradually adding the titrant, a reagent of known concentration, until the reaction reaches its endpoint, which is typically detected by a color change, pH shift, or other measurable parameter. The volume of titrant used at the endpoint, along with its concentration, allows the precise calculation of the concentration of the analyte in the unknown solution.

There are several common types of titration methods. Acid–base titrations involve the neutralization of an acid with a base (or vice versa) and are often monitored with a pH meter or an indicator that changes color at a specific pH. Redox titrations determine the concentration of an oxidizing or reducing agent by measuring the electron transfer between the titrant and the analyte. Complexometric titrations are used to determine metal ion concentrations by forming a complex of a known stoichiometry, and back titrations involve adding an excess of one reagent and then titrating the surplus with another to deduce the concentration indirectly. Each method relies on the stoichiometry of the balanced chemical equation that links the reactive species.

Titration is fundamental in analytical chemistry due to its versatility, accuracy, and relatively low cost. It is routinely employed in quality control for pharmaceuticals, in environmental testing for water quality, and in educational settings to illustrate stoichiometric relationships. Modern titrations often integrate automated titrators that provide precise volume control and advanced detection methods, such as potentiometry and conductivity, enhancing both speed and reproducibility. Despite the widespread availability of instrumental techniques like spectroscopy and chromatography, titration remains a widely used, reliable approach for routine quantitative analysis across many scientific disciplines.