E

EXPERIMENT 17
Identification of an Unknown Acid by Titration

29 March, 2017
CHEM112L-024
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Abstract
The purpose of the experiment was to identify an unknown monoprotic acid by the process of titration
with a basic solution. The calculated molar mass of the unknown acid was determined to be 121.95 g/mol.
The group’s findings did not exactly align with any of the possible choices of the unknown acid. The
calculated molar mass and pKa of an unknown acid were within a 10% margin of error of the molar mass
and pKa for Potassium hydrogen sulfate (KHSO4).

Introduction
The purpose of the experiment was to identify an unknown monoprotic acid by the process of titration
with a basic solution. A titration process allows one to determine the equivalence point of a solution, thus
defining the point at which the moles of the two solutions are equal. The theoretical percent yield is the
actual molar mass of the unknown solution. The Chemistry 111: General Chemistry Laboratory Manual
written by Reger, D., Goode, S., Freeman, D., and Taylor-Perry was used for all procedures in this
experiment.

Procedure
An unknown acid was weighed out to 0.2 g. The acid was then dissolved in about 25 mL of distilled
water. Two drops of phenolphthalein (an indicator) were added to the acidic solution, which was then
placed under the hood to avoid fume inhalation. Next, 60 mL of 0.1000M NaOH was obtained. Initially,
the NaOH solution was used to rinse the buret. After the buret was thoroughly rinsed and no air left in the
tip, it was filled, and subsequently drained, until the meniscus was properly aligned with the ‘zero mark.’ 1
Proper calibration of the pH measurement equipment (CBL) was then achieved with the used of known
pH 4.0 and pH 7.0 buffers. After calibration, the CBL probe was placed into the unknown acidic solution.
Starting with an initial pH reading of the solution, base 0.1000M NaOH was titrated into the acidic
solution in 0.5 mL intervals. A new pH reading was recorded at every interval. Around 16 mL the
titration process was complete, as noted by the persistence of a slight pink color change. Four more
intervals were obtained beyond the equivalence point of the solution for the purpose of rounding of the
graph. Equipment and experiment contents were then properly put away and disposed of.
 CHEM112L-024

Results

The volume of 0.1000M NaOH added at the equivalence point was 16.4 mL. It was then calculated that
the moles of NaOH and, subsequently, moles of unknown acid were 1.64 mmol. The calculated molar
mass of the unknown acid was determined to be 121.95 g/mol.

Discussion
The experiment was to identify an unknown acid. At the end of the experiment, when the molar mass of
the unknown acid was determined, the group’s findings did not exactly align with any of the possible
choices of the unknown acid. However, if experimental error is taken into consideration, then it could be
determined that the acid was Potassium hydrogen sulfate (KHSO4). Human and instrument error always
play a major role in experimental error. For this particular experiment, a case could be made that the acid
may have not completely dissolved allowing the titration process to be unreliable.

Conclusion
The calculated molar mass and pKa of an unknown acid were within a 10% margin of error of the molar
mass and pKa for Potassium hydrogen sulfate (KHSO4). It can be concluded that the unknown acid was,
indeed, Potassium hydrogen sulfate (KHSO4).
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References

1. Reger, D., Goode, S., Freeman, D., & Taylor-Perry, A. (2016). Chemistry 111: General Chemistry
Laboratory Manual. Mongomery, AL: QDE Press. (pp. 215-220)