Oxalic acid vs NaOH:

Aim
To determine the strength of a given solution of sodium hydroxide solution by titrating it
against a standard solution of oxalic acid.

Theory
This estimation involves titration of a weak acid that is oxalic acid against a strong base is
sodium hydroxide and phenolphthalein is the indicator of choice. The reaction between oxalic
acid and sodium hydroxide is

(COOH)2 + 2NaOH → (COONa)2 + 2H2O.

Since sodium hydroxide is not a primary standard a standard solution of oxalic acid is
prepared and used for standardisation of sodium hydroxide.

In acid base titration at the end point the amount of acid becomes chemically equivalent to
the amount of base present. In case of strong acid and strong base titration at the end point of
solution the solution become neutral.

Apparatus and Materials Required

Burette
Pipette
Conical flask
Burette stand
Funnel
Stirrer
White glazed tile
Measuring flask
Oxalic acid (solid)
Oxalic acid (as per needed)
Sodium hydroxide solution (as per needed)
Phenolphthalein indicator (as per needed)

Safety precautions and ethical issues:

Apparatus Setup

Procedure

Weigh out 1.5 g of crystals of oxalic acid.

Dissolve it in distilled water and make up the total volume to 250 cm3 in a volumetric flask.
This is standard oxalic acid solution.
Titration of Sodium Hydroxide and Oxalic Acid Solution.
Rinse the burette with the standard oxalic acid solution.
Take 10 cm3 of oxalic acid solution in a titration flask. Fill the burette with sodium hydroxide
solution.
Remove the air gap if any, from the burette by running the solution forcefully from the
burette nozzle and note the initial reading.
Run the NaOH solution from the burette into the volumetric flask until colour changes to
faint pink.
Note the volume of NaOH.
Repeat it until concordant results are obtained.
Tabulate the data.
Estimate the degree of uncertainty for each reading.

Calculation:
1. Write an equation for reaction.
2. What is the concentration of the prepared oxalic acid solution?
3. What number of moles were present in 10.0 cm3 of oxalic acid solution? Calculate
percentage error in this.
4. What amount (in mol) of NaOH present in average volume required to react with 10.0
cm3 of oxalic acid taken? What is the percentage error in this?
5. What is the concentration of NaOH solution? Calculate percentage error in the final
answer.

Discussion:

1. How accurately can you quote your answer?

2. Suggest any other reasons for possible error.