exp10.

qxd 11/15/13 10:37 AM Page 143

Richard Megna/Fundamental Photographs Experiment 10

Vinegar Analysis

Vinegar is a 4–5% (by mass) solution in acetic acid.

• To determine the percent by mass of acetic acid in vinegar Objective

The following techniques are used in the Experimental Procedure: Techniques

Household vinegar is a 4–5% (by mass) acetic acid, CH3COOH, solution (4% is the Introduction
minimum federal standard). Generally, caramel flavoring and coloring are also added
to make the product aesthetically more appealing.
A volumetric analysis using the titration technique is the method used for determin-
ing the percent by mass of acetic acid in vinegar. A measured mass of vinegar is titrated
to the phenolphthalein endpoint with a measured volume of a standardized sodium
hydroxide solution. Since the volume and molar concentration of the standardized NaOH
solution are known, the moles of NaOH used for the analysis are also known.
mol NaOH
mol NaOH = L NaOH solution (10.1)
L NaOH solution
From the balanced equation:
CH3COOH(aq) + NaOH(aq) —› NaCH3CO2(aq) + H2O(l) (10.2)
mol CH3COOH = mol NaOH (10.3)
The mass of CH3COOH in the vinegar is calculated from the measured moles of
CH3COOH neutralized in the reaction and its molar mass, 60.05 g/mol:
60.05 g CH3COOH
mass(g) of CH3COOH = mol CH3COOH (10.4)
mol CH3COOH
Finally, the percent by mass of CH3COOH in vinegar is calculated:
mass (g) of CH3COOH
% by mass of CH3COOH = 100 (10.5)
mass (g) of vinegar

Procedure Overview: Samples of one or two vinegars are analyzed for the amount Experimental
of acetic acid in the sample. A titration setup is used for the analysis, using a standard-
ized NaOH solution as the titrant and phenolphthalein as the indicator. Procedure

Experiment 10 143
exp10.qxd 11/15/13 10:37 AM Page 144

A standardized NaOH solution was prepared in Experiment 9. If that solution was

saved, it is to be used for this experiment. If the solution was not saved, you either must
again prepare and standardize the solution (Experiment 9, Part A) or obtain about 150 mL
of a standardized NaOH solution prepared by stockroom personnel. Your instructor will
advise you.
Be aware of the number of significant figures when recording data.

A. Preparation of Check with your laboratory instructor to determine if you are to analyze one or two vine-
Vinegar Sample gars. Either obtain 15 mL of a single vinegar or 10 mL of each of two vinegars in sepa-
rate 10-mL graduated cylinders. Clean at least two 125- or 250-mL Erlenmeyer flasks.
1. Calculate the volume of vinegar. Calculate the volume of vinegar that would be
needed for the neutralization of 25 mL of the standardized NaOH solution.
Assume the vinegar has a density of 1 g/mL and a percent acetic acid of 5% by
mass, and the standardized NaOH solution is 0.1 M NaOH. Show the calculation
on the Report Sheet (see Prelaboratory Assignment, question 1).
Data Analysis, A 2. Prepare the vinegar sample. Add the (approximate) calculated volume (from Part
A.1) of one brand of vinegar to a clean dry 125- or 250-mL Erlenmeyer flask with a
previously measured mass (±0.01 g) or a flask that has already been tared on the bal-
ance. Record the tared mass of the vinegar sample. Add 2 drops of phenolphthalein
and rinse the wall of the flask with 20 mL of previously boiled, deionized water.
3. Prepare the buret and titration setup. Rinse twice a clean 50-mL buret with
~5 mL of the standardized NaOH solution, making certain no drops cling to the
inside wall. Fill the buret with the standardized NaOH solution, eliminate all air
bubbles in the buret tip, and, after 10–15 seconds, read and record the initial vol-
ume (see Technique 16C.2). Place a sheet of white paper beneath the flask con-
taining the vinegar sample.

B. Analysis of Record the exact molar concentration of the NaOH solution on the Report Sheet, B.4.
Vinegar Sample
1. Titrate the vinegar sample. Slowly add the NaOH solution from the buret to the
acid, swirling the flask (with the proper hand1) after each addition. Occasionally,
rinse the wall of the flask with previously boiled, deionized water from your wash
bottle. Continue addition of the NaOH titrant until the endpoint is reached.2 See
Courtesy of Thermo Fisher Scientific

Technique 16C.4. After 10–15 seconds, read (Figure 10.1) and record the final
volume of NaOH titrant in the buret (see Technique 16A.2).
2. Repeat with the same vinegar. Refill the buret and repeat the titration at least
once more with another sample of the same vinegar.
3. Consult with your instructor. You are to complete Parts A and B for a second
vinegar to determine its average percent acetic acid or complete a third and/or
fourth analysis of your original vinegar. For the additional analyses, revise the
Report Sheet accordingly.
4. Calculations. Determine the average percent by mass of acetic acid in the vinegar(s).
Figure 10.1 Read the volume of
titrant with a black background.
Disposal: All test solutions and the NaOH solution in the buret can be dis-
carded in the Waste Bases container.

CLEANUP: Rinse the buret twice with tap water and twice with deionized water,
discarding each rinse through the buret tip into the sink. Similarly, rinse the flasks.

1
Review Technique 16C.3 for this procedure.
2
The endpoint (and the stoichiometric point) is near when the color fade of the phenolphthalein indicator
occurs more slowly with each successive addition of smaller volumes of NaOH solution to the vinegar.

144 Vinegar Analysis