The Karl Fischer titration method is an official method for determining the moisture content of substances. It is a versatile technique that can be used to measure the water content of a wide range of materials, including foods, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and plastics.
Principle of the Method
The Karl Fischer titration method is based on the reaction of iodine with water in the presence of a base. The iodine is generated electrochemically in the titration cell, and the water content of the sample is determined by measuring the amount of iodine that is consumed.
Advantages of the Karl Fischer Titration Method
- Accurate and precise
- Can be used to measure the water content of a wide range of materials
- Versatile
- Easy to use
Disadvantages of the Karl Fischer Titration Method
- Can be expensive
- Requires specialized equipment
Applications of the Karl Fischer Titration Method
The Karl Fischer titration method is used in a variety of applications, including:
- Food analysis
- Pharmaceutical analysis
- Chemical analysis
- Plastics analysis
Equipment Required for Karl Fischer Titration
The following equipment is required for Karl Fischer titration:
- Karl Fischer titrator
- Titration cell
- Electrodes
- Solvent
- Standard solution
Procedure for Karl Fischer Titration
The procedure for Karl Fischer titration is as follows:
- The sample is dissolved in a suitable solvent.
- The solvent is added to the titration cell.
- The electrodes are inserted into the titration cell.
- The titrator is started.
- The titrator adds the standard solution to the titration cell until the equivalence point is reached.
- The water content of the sample is calculated from the volume of standard solution that was added.