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EDTA Complexometric Titration
EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) titration is a common technique used in analytical chemistry to determine the concentration of metal ions in a solution. EDTA is a chelating agent that forms stable complexes with metal ions, and the titration involves the use of a standardized EDTA solution to react with the metal ions present in the sample.
EDTA is a complexometric indicator consisting of 2 amino groups and four carboxyl groups called as Lewis bases .
Before using it, it is converted into sodium salts that are feasible in water. Since it is characterised with less solubility in water, it is used for titration.
Principle of Complexometric Titration:
The principle of EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) titration is based on the formation of stable complexes between metal ions and EDTA. EDTA is a chelating agent that has a strong affinity for metal ions, particularly those with transition metals.
The principle can be summarized as follows:
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Formation of metal-EDTA complexes: In an aqueous solution, EDTA exists as a hexadentate ligand, meaning it has six donor atoms available for coordination with metal ions. These donor atoms are the four oxygen atoms and two nitrogen atoms of the EDTA molecule. When EDTA is added to a solution containing metal ions, the metal ions coordinate with the EDTA molecules, forming metal-EDTA complexes.
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Stoichiometry of the reaction: The formation of metal-EDTA complexes follows a 1:1 stoichiometry, meaning one metal ion reacts with one EDTA molecule to form a complex. The reaction is typically represented as follows:
Metal ion + EDTA ⇌ Metal-EDTA complex
The stability of the metal-EDTA complex depends on the specific metal ion and the pH of the solution.
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Endpoint determination: During the EDTA titration, a suitable indicator is added to the solution. The indicator undergoes a color change when the metal ions form complexes with EDTA. The choice of indicator depends on the specific metal ion being analyzed. For example, Eriochrome Black T (EBT) is commonly used for titrations involving calcium ions, while Murexide or Calmagite is used for titrations involving magnesium ions.
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Titration process: The sample solution containing the metal ion of interest is titrated with a standardized EDTA solution. The EDTA solution is slowly added from a burette to the sample solution while stirring continuously. As the EDTA reacts with the metal ions in the sample, the metal-EDTA complexes form, leading to the color change of the indicator.
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Endpoint determination and calculation: The endpoint of the titration is reached when all the metal ions in the sample have reacted with the EDTA. The color change of the indicator indicates the endpoint. The volume of the EDTA solution used in the titration is recorded. Based on the stoichiometry of the reaction and the volume of the EDTA solution used, the concentration of the metal ions in the original sample can be calculated.
The principle of EDTA titration allows for the quantitative determination of various metal ions in a sample. The stability of the metal-EDTA complex and the choice of indicator play crucial roles in achieving accurate and precise results. This technique is widely used in analytical chemistry for determining the concentration of metal ions in various samples, such as water, food, pharmaceuticals, and environmental samples.
Here is a general outline of the EDTA titration process:
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Preparation of the sample: The sample containing the metal ion of interest is typically dissolved in a suitable solvent. If necessary, the sample may undergo pre-treatment steps such as dilution, filtration, or digestion to ensure accurate analysis.
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Standardization of the EDTA solution: The EDTA solution is prepared and standardized using a primary standard compound, such as calcium carbonate (CaCO3) or zinc. The primary standard is weighed accurately and dissolved to form a known concentration solution. This standardized EDTA solution is then used for the titration.
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Titration setup: A known volume of the sample solution is transferred into a titration flask or beaker. If necessary, the pH of the solution is adjusted to a specific range using a buffer solution. A suitable indicator is added to the solution, which undergoes a color change when the metal ions form complexes with EDTA.
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Titration process: The standardized EDTA solution is added slowly from a burette into the sample solution while stirring continuously. The EDTA forms complexes with the metal ions present in the solution. As the titration proceeds, the color of the indicator changes, indicating the endpoint of the reaction.
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Endpoint determination: The endpoint of the titration is typically indicated by a color change of the indicator. The choice of indicator depends on the specific metal ions being analyzed. Common indicators used in EDTA titrations include Eriochrome Black T (EBT), Murexide, or Calmagite.
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Calculation of results: The volume of EDTA solution used in the titration is recorded. Using stoichiometry, the concentration of the metal ions in the sample can be determined based on the balanced chemical equation of the reaction. The concentration of the metal ion in the original sample is calculated using the volume of the sample and the volume of the EDTA solution used.
EDTA titration is a versatile method and can be used to determine the concentration of various metal ions, such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, copper, and many others. The technique allows for accurate and precise quantification of metal ions in a wide range of samples, including water, food, pharmaceuticals, and environmental samples.