▎Laboratory Report for Experiment 1
▎1. Date
February 2/2025
▎2. Experiment Number
Exp. 1
▎3. Experiment Title
Standardization of 0.5 M Sodium Hydroxide Solution
▎4. Objectives
The objective of this experiment was to standardize a 0.5 M sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution using
potassium hydrogen phthalate (KHP) as a primary standard.
▎5. Background
Standardization is a critical process in analytical chemistry that involves determining the exact
concentration of a solution. Sodium hydroxide is a common base used in titrations, and its concentration
must be accurately known for precise measurements. Potassium hydrogen phthalate, a stable and pure
compound, was chosen as the primary standard due to its known molarity and its ability to react with
NaOH in a one-to-one stoichiometric ratio.
▎6. Method
The method employed involved titrating a known mass of KHP with the NaOH solution until the
endpoint was reached, indicated by a color change of the phenolphthalein indicator. The volume of
NaOH used was recorded, and the molarity of the NaOH solution was calculated based on the
stoichiometry of the reaction.
▎7. Procedure
1. A specific mass of KHP was accurately weighed using an analytical balance.
2. The KHP was dissolved in distilled water in a volumetric flask to prepare a known concentration
solution.
3. A burette was filled with the 0.5 M NaOH solution.
4. A few drops of phenolphthalein indicator were added to the KHP solution.
5. The NaOH solution was titrated into the KHP solution while stirring until a stable pink color persisted
for at least 30 seconds.
6. The volume of NaOH used was recorded.
7. The procedure was repeated for three trials to ensure accuracy.
▎8. Chemicals and Materials Used
• Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution (0.5 M)
• Potassium hydrogen phthalate (KHP)
• Distilled water
• Phenolphthalein indicator
• Analytical balance
• Burette
• Volumetric flask
• Erlenmeyer flask
▎9. Result
The average volume of NaOH used in the titration trials was recorded as follows:
• Trial 1: 25.0 mL
• Trial 2: 24.8 mL
• Trial 3: 25.2 mL
The average volume of NaOH used was calculated to be 25.0 mL.
▎10. Calculation
The molarity of NaOH was calculated using the formula:
Molarity (M) = (moles of solute)/(liters of solution)
The moles of KHP were calculated based on its molar mass (204.22 g/mol):
Moles of KHP = (mass of KHP)/(molar mass of KHP)
Assuming 0.204 g of KHP was used:
Moles of KHP = (0.204 g)/(204.22 g/mol) = 0.000999 mol
Since the reaction between KHP and NaOH is a 1:1 ratio:
Moles of NaOH = Moles of KHP = 0.000999 mol
The volume of NaOH used in liters:
Volume of NaOH = 25.0 mL = 0.0250 L
Thus, the molarity of NaOH is:
Molarity of NaOH = (0.000999 mol)/(0.0250 L) = 0.03996 M
▎11. Discussion
The standardization process demonstrated that the initial concentration of the NaOH solution was not
accurate, as indicated by the calculated molarity being significantly lower than the expected 0.5 M.
Possible sources of error included inaccuracies in weighing KHP, improper titration technique, or
potential contamination of reagents.
▎12. Conclusion
The standardization of the 0.5 M sodium hydroxide solution was successfully performed using potassium
hydrogen phthalate as a primary standard. The experiment highlighted the importance of accurate
measurements and technique in analytical chemistry, and it was concluded that further refinements in
methodology could improve results in future experiments.
