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Organic Practical Answer

The document outlines an experiment to determine the molecular weight of an unknown acid using titration with a standardized NaOH solution. It discusses the importance of accurate NaOH concentration, the stoichiometric relationships in acid-base reactions, potential sources of error, and methods to improve accuracy. Additionally, it explains the principles of titration, the role of indicators, and provides calculations for determining molecular weight based on titration data.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
11 views14 pages

Organic Practical Answer

The document outlines an experiment to determine the molecular weight of an unknown acid using titration with a standardized NaOH solution. It discusses the importance of accurate NaOH concentration, the stoichiometric relationships in acid-base reactions, potential sources of error, and methods to improve accuracy. Additionally, it explains the principles of titration, the role of indicators, and provides calculations for determining molecular weight based on titration data.

Uploaded by

amnaamjad975
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Questions and Answers

Experiment No. 2:
Determine the molecular weight of an unknown acid in a 0.5M NaOH solution is given.

1. Why is it important to use a standard solution of NaOH in this experiment? How did you
ensure the NaOH solution was standardized or its concentration was accurate?

NaOH is used to determine the unknown concentration of an acid or


other substance in titrations. If its concentration isn't known
precisely, the results of the experiment will be inaccurate. Using a
standard NaOH solution is important to ensure accurate and reliable
titration results, as NaOH absorbs CO₂ and moisture from the air,
which alters its concentration over time. That’s why it's unreliable to
prepare it by just weighing — it must be standardized. To standardize
it, NaOH was titrated against a primary standard like potassium
hydrogen phthalate (KHP), HCl or oxalic acid, which has a known,
stable composition, allowing precise calculation of NaOH concentration.

2. Assuming a 1:1 mole ratio between the acid and base (NaOH), how many moles of the
unknown acid were present in your initial sample?
Assuming a 1:1 mole ratio between NaOH and the unknown acid, the number of moles of acid in
the initial sample is equal to the number of moles of NaOH used in the titration. This is calculated
using:
Moles of NaOH = Molarity of NaOH × Volume of NaOH (in liters)
Since the mole ratio is 1:1:
Moles of unknown acid = Moles of NaOH
This relationship holds true only when the acid and base react in equal mole proportions, as in
monoprotic acids.
Example:
You titrate 25.0 mL of an unknown monoprotic acid with 0.100 M NaOH, and it takes 30.0 mL
of NaOH to reach the endpoint.
Calculate the moles of NaOH used
Moles of NaOH=Molarity × Volume (L)
=0.100 mol/L × 0.0300 L
=0.00300 mol
Use 1:1 mole ratio; Since the reaction is:
HA+NaOH→NaA+H2O
The moles of acid = moles of NaOH
Moles of acid=0.00300 mol
There were 0.00300 moles of the unknown acid in the original 25.0 mL sample

3
3. Why do different compounds have different molecular weights, and why do we use
titration to identify them rather than other methods or techniques like mass spectroscopy?
Different compounds have different molecular weights because they are made up of different
types and numbers of atoms, and each element has its unique atomic mass. The molecular weight
is simply the sum of the atomic masses of all atoms in a molecule, so it varies from compound to
compound. Titration is used to identify or analyze compounds, especially acids and bases, because
it is a simple, accurate, cost-effective, and widely accessible method for determining
concentration and reactivity, especially in aqueous solutions. While techniques like mass
spectrometry provide detailed molecular information, they are expensive, require specialized
equipment, and may not be necessary when a chemical's concentration or acidity is all that's
needed, making titration the practical choice for routine lab use.

4. What are some potential sources of error in this experiment that could affect the accuracy
of your determined molecular weight? How could you improve the accuracy of this
experiment?
Sources of Error:
• NaOH concentration error – NaOH absorbs CO₂ from the air, changing its strength.
• Burette reading error – Not reading at eye level can give the wrong volume.
• Early or late endpoint – Stopping before or after the true endpoint affects accuracy.
• Impure acid sample – Impurities change the actual mass and affect results.
• Wrong indicator – Can give a false endpoint if not matched to the titration
type.
• Temperature changes – Affect reaction rate and volume of liquids.
Ways to Improve Accuracy:
• Standardize NaOH – Titrate it with a primary standard like HCl or KHP.
• Accurate measurements – Use pipettes and read burettes at eye level.
• Repeat titrations – Do 3–4 trials and average consistent results.
• Right indicator – Choose one that changes color at the correct pH.
• Stable temperature – Perform in a room with minimal temperature changes.
• Stir properly – Mix well to ensure complete reaction.

5. What is the principle behind determining the molecular weight of an unknown acid using
the titration method & by using NaOH solution?

The principle is based on acid-base neutralization, where a known concentration of strong base
(NaOH) and an unknown monoprotic acid. When the acid is completely neutralized, the number
of moles of NaOH equals the number of moles of the acid (1:1 ratio). By measuring the volume
of NaOH used and knowing its concentration used to reach the endpoint, you can calculate the
moles of acid. Then, using the measured mass of the acid, you determine its molecular weight
using:
Mass of acid (g)
Molecular weight =
Moles of acid (mole)

4
6. How do you identify or determine the endpoint of the acid-base titration, and what role
indicator play in detecting the endpoint of the titration?

The endpoint of an acid-base titration is the point at which the acid has been completely
neutralized by the base (or vice versa). You determine this point by using an acid-base indicator.
An indicator is a chemical that changes color at a specific pH level. You add a few drops of it to
the acid solution before titration. As you slowly add the base (like NaOH), the pH of the solution
rises. When the solution reaches the indicator’s color change range—usually near the equivalence
point—the color shifts, signaling that titration is complete.

For example: If you're using phenolphthalein, it changes from colorless to light pink as the
solution turns slightly basic, showing the endpoint has been reached.

So, the indicator visually marks when enough base has been added to neutralize the acid, helping
you stop the titration at the correct moment.

7. If a monoprotic acid is titrated with NaOH, what is the stoichiometric ratio used for
calculations? How would the calculation differ if the unknown acid were diprotic instead of
monoprotic?

For a monoprotic acid, the stoichiometric ratio with NaOH is 1:1, meaning 1 mole of acid reacts
with 1 mole of NaOH.

 Monoprotic acid (e.g., HCl):


HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H₂O
(1 mole acid: 1 mole base)

If the acid is diprotic, the ratio becomes 1:2, meaning 1 mole of acid reacts with 2 moles of NaOH,
because a diprotic acid can donate 2 protons (H⁺) per molecule.

 Diprotic acid (e.g., H₂SO₄):


H₂SO₄ + 2NaOH → Na₂SO₄ + 2H₂O
(1 mole acid: 2 moles base)

So, in calculations, you must adjust the mole ratio based on the number of acidic hydrogens the
acid can donate. So, in calculation: If you used 0.02 mol of NaOH, then:

 For monoprotic acid, moles of acid = 0.02 mol


 For diprotic acid, moles of acid = 0.02 ÷ 2 = 0.01 mol

This affects the final molecular weight calculation.

5
8. What is the difference between endpoint and equivalence point? How does the concept of
equivalent point help in determining the molecular weight of an unknown acid?

Equivalence Point:
This is the theoretical point in a titration where the moles of
base added equal to moles of acid present. It represents
complete neutralization based on the balanced chemical
equation.

Endpoint:
This is the point where the indicator changes color during the
titration. It signals that the equivalence point has (ideally) been
reached, but it might be slightly before or after the exact
equivalence point depending on the indicator used.

Role of Equivalence Point in Determining Molecular Weight:

The equivalence point is essential because it tells us the exact amount of base needed to
completely react with the acid. Once you know:

 the volume and concentration of NaOH used,


 and the mass of the unknown acid,

You can calculate the moles of acid using the known moles of base (based on stoichiometry), then
use, this gives you the molecular weight of the unknown acid.

9. Name some common acid-base indicators and their color changes.


Color in
Indicator Color in Acid pH Range
Base
Phenolphthalein Colorless Pink 8.2 – 10.0
Methyl Orange Red Yellow 3.1 – 4.4
Bromothymol Blue Yellow Blue 6.0 – 7.6
Litmus Red Blue ~4.5 – 8.3

These indicators help detect the endpoint of a titration by changing color around a specific pH
range.

10. Which type of titration is done here? Is there more than one? What is a titrant, and what
is an analyte?

This is an acid-base titration, specifically a strong base (NaOH) vs. unknown acid titration. No,
only acid-base titration is involved in this case. The titrant is the solution of known concentration,
which is 0.5 M NaOH here. It is added from the burette. The analyte is the unknown acid, whose
molecular weight is being determined. Its amount is measured by how much NaOH it reacts with.

6
11. Why is titration considered a useful method, mostly in chemistry (organic chemistry),
for analyzing unknown acids?
The rise of industrial chemistry spurred the need for rapid methods to assess the quality of
substances like acids, alkali carbonates, and hypochlorites, which were often measured by slow,
laborious techniques. Karl Friedrich Mohr redesigned the burette with a clamp and tip and wrote
the first textbook on titration. Titration is considered a useful method in chemistry, especially
organic chemistry, for analyzing unknown acids because it allows for:
Titration precisely measures how much base is needed to neutralize an acid, helping calculate the
concentration or molecular weight of the unknown acid. It requires minimal equipment (burette,
pipette, indicator) and provides reliable results without needing complex instruments. Titration
can reveal whether an acid is strong or weak, mono or polyprotic, based on its reaction pattern
with the base. It works with many organic and inorganic acids, making it versatile for qualitative
and quantitative analysis. In short, titration is a practical, low-cost, and effective way to analyze
acids in chemistry labs.

12. What is the role of NaOH in this practical? How to prepare a 0.5 M NaoH solution?

Sodium hydroxide acts as the titrant (the standard base) in this experiment. It reacts with the
unknown acid to determine its molecular weight or concentration through neutralization.

How to Prepare 0.5 M NaOH Solution:


Calculate the required mass of sodium hydroxide:
Molar mass of NaOH = 40 g/mol
For 0.5 M solution in 1 liter: 0.5 mol/L×40 g/mol=20 g
• Weigh 20 g of NaOH pellets.
• Dissolve the pellets in distilled water slowly, stirring constantly.
• Transfer to a 1-liter volumetric flask and fill up to the mark with distilled water.
• Mix well and store in a tightly closed container (NaOH is hygroscopic).
• This gives you 1 liter of 0.5 M NaOH solution.
0.5 M of NaOH means that 0.5 mole (20.0 g) of NaOH are dissolved in 1000 mL of solution.

13. Why is it important to add NaOH dropwise near the endpoint?


NaOH is not added dropwise near the endpoint: Too much NaOH may be added after
neutralization, causing an overestimation of how much base was needed. This leads to more moles
of NaOH being calculated than required. As a result, the calculated moles of acid will be higher,
which then gives a lower (incorrect) molecular weight when using the formula:
Mass of acid (g)
Molecular weight =
Moles of acid (mole)
Adding NaOH slowly ensures the reaction stops exactly at the equivalence point, giving accurate,
reliable results.

7
14. What precautions must be taken to ensure accurate and reliable titration results?

 Use clean and rinsed glassware.


 Fill the burette properly with no air bubbles.
 Add titrant slowly, especially near the endpoint.
 Use a proper indicator and observe the color change very carefully.
 Record readings precisely at eye level.
 Repeat titration to get consistent (concordant) results.

These steps help ensure accuracy and reliability in titration.

15. A student used 20 ml of 0.5 M NaOH to neutralize 0.6 g of acid. Calculate the molecular
weight.

Given:
Volume of NaOH = 20 mL = 0.020 L
Molarity of NaOH = 0.5 M
Mass of acid = 0.6 g

Step 1: Find moles of NaOH used.


Moles of NaOH=Molarity ×Volume (L)
Moles of NaOH=0.5×0.020=0.01 mol

Step 2: Since it’s a 1:1 ratio (acid: base), moles of acid = moles of NaOH.
Moles of acid = 0.01 mol

Step 3: Find molecular weight.


Mass of acid (g)
Molecular weight =
Moles of acid (mole)
0.6
Molecular weight = = 60 g/mol
0.01
Molecular weight = 60 g/mol

16. What is the role of stoichiometry in calculating molecular weight from titration data?

Stoichiometry plays a critical role in calculating molecular weight from titration data because it
defines the mole-to-mole ratio between the acid and the base involved in the reaction.

For example, if a monoprotic acid reacts with NaOH, the reaction follows a 1:1 ratio:
HA (acid) +NaOH→NaA+H2O
This means 1 mole of acid reacts with 1 mole of NaOH. So, the moles of NaOH used in titration
equal the moles of acid.

8
If the acid were diprotic (like H₂A), the ratio would be 1 mole of H₂A to 2 moles of NaOH,
changing the calculation. Using the wrong stoichiometric ratio would give you incorrect moles
and an inaccurate molecular weight. Stoichiometry ensures that the moles from titration are
correctly matched to the acid, allowing for an accurate conversion or molecular weight
calculation.

17. 0.50 g of a monoprotic acid is titrated with 0.5 M NaOH. It takes 25.0 ml to reach the
endpoint. What is the molar mass of the acid?
Given:

 Mass of acid = 0.50 g


 Molarity of NaOH = 0.5 M
 Volume of NaOH = 25.0 mL = 0.0250 L
 Monoprotic acid → 1 mole NaOH reacts with 1 mole acid.

Use this direct formula:

Mass of acid (g) × 1000


Molecular weight =
Volume of NaOH (mL) × Molarity of NaOH (M)
0.50 × 1000
Molecular weight = = 40 g/mol
25.0 × 0.5
18. What is the Neutralization Reaction? Write equations for mono, di and triprotic acids.
Neutralization Reaction: It is a chemical reaction where an acid reacts with a base to produce
salt and water.
Acid + Base → Salt + Water

HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H2O


Equations:

Monoprotic acid (donates 1 proton, H⁺):


HA+NaOH→NaA+H2O
HCl+NaOH→NaCl+H2O

Diprotic acid (donates 2 protons, H⁺):


H2A+2NaOH→Na2 A+2H2O
H2SO4+2NaOH→Na2SO4+2H2O

Triprotic acid (donates 3 protons, H⁺):


H3A+3NaOH→Na3 A+3H2O
H3PO4+3NaOH→Na3PO4+3H2O

9
19.. What is the purpose of titration in this experiment? Why is NaOH used as the titrant?
What is the analyte in this titration?

To determine the molecular weight (molar mass) of the unknown acid by


finding out how much NaOH is needed to neutralize it. The purpose of
titration is to determine the unknown concentration of a substance (the
analyte in a conical flask) by reacting it with a solution of known
concentration (the titrant in a burette). In this specific experiment, NaOH
is used as the titrant to determine the concentration of an acidic analyte
(such as HCl, KHP) or an unknown acid. The analyte is the substance you
want to determine the concentration of, and in this case, it is the acid. The
unknown acid is what we want to study (to find its molecular weight or strength).

20. What is the significance of using a conical flask instead of a beaker during titration, and
why is swirling the flask during titration essential for accurate results?

Instead of beaker, using a conical flask during titration is important because its
narrow neck and tapered shape allow easy and safe swirling as not in beaker,
without spilling the solution, ensuring even mixing for accurate results. The
narrow neck also helps reduce evaporation, maintaining the solution’s
concentration. Additionally, the wide, flat bottom of the conical flask makes it
easier to observe color changes during titrations, especially when using
indicators like phenolphthalein. Swirling the flask during titration is essential
because it ensures the titrant and analyte mix evenly, promoting a uniform
reaction and preventing localized reactions that could cause inaccuracies.
Proper swirling ensures that the entire solution reacts completely, helping to
accurately detect the endpoint and achieve precise titration results.

21. How can you confirm whether the unknown acid is monoprotic or polyprotic during
titration? How does the unknown acid's strength (monoprotic, diprotic, etc.) affect the
titration calculations?

You can confirm whether the unknown acid is monoprotic or polyprotic during titration by
analyzing the titration curve or observing how much NaOH is needed to neutralize the acid. A
monoprotic acid will have one clear, sharp endpoint where neutralization happens, while a
polyprotic acid (like a diprotic acid) may show two distinct endpoints because it donates protons
in stages. The strength (mono-, di-, or triprotic) of the acid affects titration calculations because
it changes the stoichiometric ratio. For a monoprotic acid, the mole ratio of acid to base is 1:1.
For a diprotic acid, 1 mole of acid reacts with 2 moles of NaOH (ratio 1:2), and for a triprotic
acid, it would react with 3 moles of NaOH (ratio 1:3). Therefore, you must adjust the mole
calculation based on how many protons the acid can donate.

10
22. The carbon dioxide from the air reacts with the NaOH solution. Is there any effect or
not? If then, what would be the effect on your results?

Since NaOH is hygroscopic, it absorbs water from the air, and it can also react with carbon dioxide
(CO₂) in the air. The reaction between NaOH and CO₂ forms sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃), as
shown below:

2NaOH+ CO2→ Na2CO3+ H2O

Yes, carbon dioxide from the air reacts with NaOH to form sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃). This
reaction lowers the concentration of NaOH because some of it is used up by CO₂ instead of the
acid. As a result, more NaOH would be needed during titration. This can cause an overestimation
of the acid's molecular weight, causing your calculated molecular weight to be higher than the
true value and making your results inaccurate.

23. Why must the unknown acid sample be weighed accurately before dissolution? What is
the formula used to find the molecular weight of the unknown acid?

Weighing the unknown acid accurately is crucial because the mass of the
acid is used to calculate the number of moles, which directly impacts the
determination of its molecular weight. An inaccurate mass will lead to
incorrect mole calculations, which will, in turn, give an inaccurate
molecular weight. Precision is key for reliable results in titration
experiments.

Formula used to find the molecular weight of the unknown acid:

The molecular weight (molar mass) of the unknown acid can be calculated using the following
formula:

Mass of acid (g)


Molecular weight =
Moles of acid (mole)

 Mass of acid is the amount of unknown acid used in the titration (in grams).
 Moles of acid is calculated from the volume and concentration of the titrant (NaOH)
used to neutralize the acid, based on the stoichiometry of the acid-base reaction.

For a monoprotic acid, the number of moles of acid is equal to the number of moles of NaOH
used:
M×V
Moles of acid = Moles of NaOH =
1000
Where: M = concentration of NaOH (mol/L) & V = volume of NaOH used (mL)

11
24. What indicator is commonly used in this titration (acid-base titration) and why? Can
other indicators be used?
In an acid-base titration using NaOH (a strong base), the commonly used
indicator is phenolphthalein. Phenolphthalein is preferred because its color
change occurs at a pH range of about 8.3 to 10, which corresponds well with the
neutralization of a strong base like NaOH with a weak or strong acid. In acidic
conditions, phenolphthalein is colorless. In basic conditions, it turns pink as the
pH moves above 8.3. This clear and noticeable color change makes it easy to
identify the endpoint of the titration.

Other indicators can be used depending on the acid and base strength being titrated (strong or
weak) and the expected pH at the endpoint: Methyl orange: Red in acid, yellow in base; best for
strong acid vs weak base titrations (endpoint below pH 7). Bromothymol blue: Yellow in acid,
blue in base; ideal for strong acid vs strong base titrations (endpoint near pH 7).

25. How does equivalent weight differ from molecular weight? How can the equivalent
weight of the unknown acid be calculated from the titration data?

Molecular weight is the mass of one mole of a substance (measured in g/mol) based on the sum
of the atomic masses of all atoms in the molecule.

Equivalent weight is the mass of a substance that reacts with or supplies one mole of hydrogen
ions (H⁺) or one mole of hydroxide ions (OH⁻). It depends on the substance’s basicity (number
of replaceable H⁺ ions). Relation,
Molecular weight
Equivalent weight =
Basicity (number of H⁺ ions)

Find moles of NaOH used:

Moles of NaOH = Molarity of NaOH × Volume of NaOH (L)

For acid-base neutralization, moles of acid equivalents = moles of NaOH.

Calculate equivalent weight:


Mass of acid sample (g)
Equivalent weight =
Moles of NaOH
Mass of acid = 0.50 g
Volume of NaOH = 25.0 mL = 0.025 L
Molarity of NaOH = 0.5 M
Moles of NaOH = 0.5 × 0.025 = 0.0125 moles

Equivalent weight = 0.50 ÷ 0.0125 = 40 g/eq

12
26. Write down the chemical reaction that occurs between sodium hydroxide and Succinic
acid.
The reaction between sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and succinic acid (C4H6O4) is a neutralization
reaction, where the acid and base react to form a salt and water. Succinic acid is a diprotic
acid, meaning it has two acidic hydrogen atoms, so it can react with two equivalents of sodium
hydroxide. Here's the chemical equation:
Succinic acid + Sodium hydroxide → Sodium succinate + Water

+ 2NaOH → + 2H2O

27. Why is it important to use distilled or deionized water when dissolving the unknown
acid?

It is important to use distilled or deionized water when dissolving the unknown acid because:

No impurities: It prevents contamination by ions or impurities that could react with the acid or
NaOH, affecting the titration results.
Accurate concentration: It ensures that the acid solution remains pure, so the calculated
molecular weight is correct.
No interference: Tap water contains minerals like calcium and magnesium, which could
neutralize some NaOH or acid and give wrong or inaccurate results.

28. What does a sharp colour change at the endpoint indicate about the acid–base reaction?
Why is phenolphthalein an appropriate indicator for titrating a weak acid with a strong
base?

A sharp color change at the endpoint indicates that the acid–base reaction
is complete and happens rapidly, meaning, the titration reached the
equivalence point accurately. Color change indicates the endpoint in
titration because it shows that the amount of titrant added is just enough
to completely react with the analyte. The indicator changes color when
the pH of the solution shifts sharply, signaling that neutralization (or the
intended reaction) is complete.

Phenolphthalein is an appropriate indicator for titrating an acid (weak)


with a strong base because: It changes color sharply near pH 8.2–10,
which matches the pH at the equivalence point for such titrations. It
gives a clear and distinct color change (from colorless to pink), making
it easy to detect the endpoint accurately.

13
29. What and how do temperature variations affect titration accuracy and acid dissociation?
Titration Accuracy:
 Volume Measurements: Temperature changes can cause liquids to expand or contract,
leading to inaccurate volume measurements.
 Reaction Rate: Higher temperatures can speed up reactions, making it harder to identify the
endpoint accurately.
Acid Dissociation:
 Weak Acid Behavior: Temperature affects the dissociation of weak acids. Higher
temperatures can increase dissociation, shifting pH and impacting the titration results.
 Equilibrium Shift: For weak acids, temperature changes can alter the dissociation
equilibrium, affecting the concentration of hydrogen ions and the endpoint.

Temperature affects both volume measurements and the dissociation of acids, which can
influence titration results. Conducting titrations at a consistent temperature helps ensure accuracy.

30. What are the consequences of using an incorrect molarity of the NaOH solution in your
calculations? How do you calculate the number of moles of NaOH used during titration?

 Inaccurate Results: If the molarity of NaOH is incorrectly measured, the number of moles of
NaOH used in the titration will be incorrect, leading to inaccurate calculations of the unknown
acid's molar mass or concentration.
 Error in Endpoint Determination: An incorrect molarity affects the volume of NaOH needed
to reach the endpoint. This would result in either overestimating or underestimating the amount
of acid present, causing erroneous titration data.

How to Calculate the Number of Moles of NaOH Used:

The number of moles of NaOH used in titration can be calculated using the formula:

Moles of NaOH=MNaOH × VNaOH


Where,

 MNaOH is the molarity of the NaOH solution (in moles per liter, M).
 VNaOH is the volume of NaOH used during titration (in liters).

For example,
if 25 mL (0.025 L) of 0.5 M NaOH is used: Moles of NaOH=0.5 M×0.025 L=0.0125 moles.

This gives the number of moles of NaOH used in the titration, which can then be used to calculate
the unknown acid's concentration or molecular weight.

14
31. How would you verify the purity of the unknown acid sample based on the calculated
molar mass or titration result? How do impurities in the unknown acid sample affect the
calculated molecular weight?

To verify the purity of the unknown acid based on titration results, compare the experimental
molar mass with the known theoretical molar mass of the pure acid. If the sample is pure, the
calculated molar mass should be close to the theoretical value.

Impurities affect the results by:

 Increasing mass: Impurities make the sample appear heavier, leading to an overestimation of
the number of moles of acid and a lower calculated molecular weight.
 Lower titration volume: Impurities don’t react, so less NaOH is needed, which can also affect
the molecular weight calculation.

In short, impurities in the acid will cause the calculated molecular weight to be lower than
expected.

32. How do you determine the number of acidic protons (basicity) in the unknown acid?

Determine the number of acidic protons (basicity) in an unknown acid:

 Titration: The amount of NaOH needed for neutralization reveals how many protons are
available. Monoprotic acids require one NaOH molecule per proton, diprotic acids require two,
and triprotic acids require three.
 pH Curve: By measuring the pH during titration, you can observe how many distinct pH
changes occur. Each inflection point corresponds to the release of a proton.
 Chemical Formula: If the acid's structure is known, the number of acidic protons can be
deduced from its molecular formula.

In essence, the volume of NaOH used and the pH curve help determine the number of acidic
protons in the acid.

33. What would be the impact of overshooting the endpoint during titration on your final
result?

Overshooting the endpoint in titration means adding too much titrant (like NaOH), which leads
to inaccurate results. It overestimates the volume of NaOH used, causing errors in calculating the
acid's concentration or molecular weight. The endpoint, marked by a color change or pH shift, is
missed, which reduces the accuracy of the titration result. To avoid this, titrant should be added
slowly near the endpoint for precise results and constantly swirl the solution to ensure even
mixing.

15
34. Why is it necessary to perform multiple titrations and take an average reading? What
steps would you take if your titration results are inconsistent across multiple trials?

Performing multiple titrations and averaging the results ensures accuracy and reliability by
reducing random errors and improving precision. If results are inconsistent, it's important to check
the equipment for cleanliness and calibration, confirm the titrant concentration is accurate, and
ensure the correct technique and indicator are used. Consistent swirling and slow titrant addition
near the endpoint also help minimize errors. Repeating the titration can help identify and correct
any discrepancies, leading to more accurate and reproducible results.

35. What is monoprotic or diprotic. Succinic acid is monoprotic or diprotic and why?

A monoprotic acid is an acid that can donate one proton (H⁺ ion) per molecule during a chemical
reaction, while a diprotic acid can donate two protons per molecule.

Succinic acid (C₄H₆O₄) is a diprotic acid because it has two carboxyl


groups (-COOH), each capable of donating one proton. This means it can
release two protons in two separate steps during a titration, which is
characteristic of a diprotic acid. Therefore, succinic acid can neutralize
two equivalents of a base like NaOH.

16

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