Determining the Molar Concentration of

Vinegar by Titration
Objective: Determine the concentration of acetic acid in a vinegar sample

 Expressing solution concentration.
 Using volumetric glassware: pipet and buret.
 Performing a titrimetric analysis.

Background

 In a titration, the analyte (the substance whose concentration is unknown and

sought in the analysis) is reacted with a standard (a substance that reacts with
the analyte but whose concentration is known). The analysis uses just enough
of the standard to react with all of the analyte, thereby allowing the amount of
analyte present to be determined. In this experiment, acetic acid (CH3COOH) is
the analyte and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is the standard. The reaction is:
CH3COOH(aq) + NaOH(aq) --> CH3COONa(aq) + H2O(l)
 Titration: an analytical procedure involving a chemical reaction in which the
quantity of at least one reactant is determined volumetrically.
 Standard solution: a solution in which the concentration of a solute is precisely
known.
 Usually it is the volume of the standard solution required to react with a given
quantity of an analyte that is precisely determined during a titration.
 Titration endpoint: The quantity of reactant in the standard solution added
during the titration is stoichiometrically equivalent to the quantity of reactant in
the analyte at the titration endpoint.

Expressing Solution Concentration

mols (solute)
molarity = ------------------ = M (mol/L)
Liter (solution)
0.493 M NaOH means 0.493 mol NaOH/L
mols
mols = ------ x L
L
mols = M x V
In a titration procedure, 40.57 mL of 0.493 M NaOH solution was used. How many
mols NaOH did this volume of NaOH solution contain?
mols = M x V
0.493 mols NaOH
mols = ----------------------- x 0.04057 L
L
mols = 0.0200 mols NaOH

Volumetric glassware: buret and pipet

Reading the buret Using the pipet

Buret reading = 0.76 mL

Determining the Volume of Titrant Delivered in a Titration
Final buret reading: 49.37 mL
Initial buret reading: 0.74 mL

volume delivered: 48.63 mL

Procedure

You may work in groups:

 Each person must perform a titration.

 For those working in groups, each group member will contribute the results of
one determination to the group effort.
 Your reported result will be the average of at least two titrations.

Sample Calculation
Calculating the concentration (M) of CH3COOH in commercial vinegar.

1. From the balanced chemical equation:

mols CH3COOH(vinegar) = mols NaOH(titrant)
2. mols NaOH = MNaOH x VNaOH,L (from titration)

0.493 mols NaOH

mols Na OH = ------------------------ x 0.04863 L
L

3. mols NaOH = 0.240 = mols CH3COOH(vinegar)

4.
5. mols CH COOH(vinegar)
3

M CH3COOH(vinegar) = -----------------------------
volume(vinegar)
0.0240 mols
M CH3COOH(vinegar) = ---------------- = 0.96 M
0.0250 L

Back to the Chemical Principles Lab Schedule.

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11: Titration of Vinegar (Experiment)

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Jun 29, 2020

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 Contributed by Santa Monica College
 ONLINE CHEMISTRY LAB MANUAL at Santa Monica College

Objectives

 To determine the molarity and percent by mass of acetic acid in vinegar.

Vinegar is essentially a solution of acetic acid (HC2H3O2HC2H3O2) in water. The
concentration of acetic acid in vinegar may be expressed as a molarity (in mol/L):
Molarity=Moles of Acetic AcidVolume of Vinegar (in L)(11.1)
(11.1)Molarity=Moles of Acetic AcidVolume of Vinegar (in L)

or as a mass percent

Mass %=(Mass of Acetic AcidMass of Vinegar)×100%(11.2)

(11.2)Mass %=(Mass of Acetic AcidMass of Vinegar)×100%
In this experiment, a technique known as a titration will be used to determine the concentration
of acetic acid in vinegar. A titration involves performing a controlled reaction between a solution
of known concentration (the titrant) and a solution of unknown concentration (the analyte). Here,
the titrant is an aqueous solution of ~0.1 M sodium hydroxide (NaOHNaOH) and the analyte
is vinegar. When mixed, a neutralization reaction occurs between sodium hydroxide and the
acetic acid in vinegar:
NaOH(aq)+HC2H3O2(aq)→NaC2H3O2(aq)+H2O(l)(11.3)(11.3)NaOH(aq)
+HC2H3O2(aq)→NaC2H3O2(aq)+H2O(l)
The sodium hydroxide will be gradually added to the vinegar in small amounts from a burette. A
burette is a device that allows the precise delivery of a specific volume of a solution.
The NaOHNaOH will be added to the vinegar sample until all the acetic acid in the vinegar
has been exactly consumed (reacted away). At this point the reaction is completed, and no
more NaOHNaOH is required. This is called the equivalence point of the titration.
In order to know when the equivalence point is reached, an indicator solution called
phenolphthalein is added to the vinegar at the beginning of the titration. Phenolphthalein is a pH
sensitive organic dye. Phenolphthalein is colorless in acidic solutions like vinegar, and deep pink
in basic solutions like sodium hydroxide. At the equivalence point of the titration, just one drop
of NaOHNaOH will cause the entire solution in the Erlenmeyer flask to change from colorless
to a very pale pink.

As the titration is performed, the following data will be collected:

 The molarity of NaOHNaOH (aq) used

 The volume of NaOHNaOH (aq) used to neutralize the vinegar
 The volume of vinegar used.

Using this data, the molarity and mass percent of acetic acid in vinegar can be determined by
performing a series of solution stoichiometry calculations (see Calculations Section).

Procedure

Materials and Equipment

50-mL burette*, 5-mL volumetric pipette*, pipette bulb*, ~ 0.1 M NaOHNaOH (aq), vinegar,
phenolphthalein, burette stand, two 250-mL (or 125 mL) Erlenmeyer flasks, wash bottle with
distilled water, funnel

Safety

Be especially careful when handling the sodium hydroxide base (NaOHNaOH), as it is

corrosive and can cause chemical burns to the skin. If any NaOH spills on you, rinse
immediately under running water for up to 15 minutes and report the accident to your instructor.
Titration Procedure

Your instructor will demonstrate the correct use of the volumetric pipette and burette at the
beginning of the lab session. Detailed instructions on how to use a pipette are also found on the
last page of this handout. Note that three titrations must be performed.

1. Obtain a 50-mL burette, 5-mL volumetric pipette and a pipette bulb from the stockroom.
Setting up the burette and preparing the  NaOHNaOH
2. Rinse the inside of the burette with distilled water. Allow the distilled water to drain out through
the tip in order to ensure that the tip is also rinsed.
3. Now rinse the burette with a small amount of NaOHNaOH (aq). To do this, add about 5-mL
of NaOHNaOH (aq) to the burette, then twirl the burette on its side (over the sink) to rinse
its entire inner surface. Then allow the NaOHNaOH (aq) to drain out through the tip.
4. Fill the burette with NaOHNaOH (aq) up to the top, between 0-mL and 5-mL. Use a funnel
to do this carefully, below eye-level, and preferably over the sink. After this you will need to
flush the tip of the burette – your instructor will show you how to do this. Now measure the
volume at the level of the NaOHNaOH precisely, and record it as the “Initial Burette
Reading” on your report. Also record the exact molarity of the NaOH (aq), which is labeled on
the stock bottle.

Preparing the vinegar sample

5. The volumetric pipette used in this lab is designed to measure and transfer exactly 5.00 mL of
solution. First, rinse the inside of the volumetric pipette with distilled water. Using the pipette
bulb, draw the water into the pipette up above the 5-mL mark, then allow it to drain out
through the tip. You may want to do this several times for practice. Then perform a final rinse,
but this time use vinegar.
6. Now use the volumetric pipette to transfer 5.00-mL of vinegar into a clean 250-mL Erlenmeyer
flask (see instructions on page 4). Record this volume of vinegar (precise to two decimal places)
on your report. Then add about 20-mL of distilled water and 5 drops of phenolphthalein to this
Erlenmeyer flask.

Performing the titration

7. Begin the titration by slowly adding NaOHNaOH (aq) from the burette to the vinegar in the
Erlenmeyer flask. Swirl Erlenmeyer flask as you add the base in order to efficiently mix the
chemicals. Some pinkness may appear briefly in the flask as the base is added, but it will quickly
disappear as the flask is swirled.
8. As the equivalence point is approached, the pink color will become more pervasive and will take
longer to disappear. When this occurs, start to add the NaOHNaOH (aq) drop by drop.
Eventually the addition of just one drop of NaOHNaOH (aq) will turn the solution in the
Erlenmeyer flask a pale pink color that does not disappear when swirled. This indicates that the
equivalence point has been reached. Do not add any more NaOHNaOH (aq) at this
point. Measure this volume of NaOHNaOH (aq) precisely, and record it as the “Final Burette
Reading” on your report. Then show the resulting solution in the flask to your instructor so s/he
can record the final color on your report form.
9. Refill your burette with NaOHNaOH (aq), and then repeat this procedure for a second
sample of vinegar, and then a third sample of vinegar. You do not need to flush the tip of the
burette again. Note that if you use less than 25-mL of NaOHNaOH (aq) for the second
titration, you do not need to refill the burette for the third titration; also that you will need to
clean out and re-use one of your Erlenmeyer flasks for the third titration. You and your partner
should take turns performing these titrations.
10. When finished, dispose of your chemical waste as instructed.
Pipetting Instructions
1. Get the appropriate amount of the solution you wish to pipette in a clean, dry beaker. Never
pipette directly out of the stock bottles of solution. This creates a contamination risk.
2. Insert the tip of the pipette into the beaker of solution so that it is about a quarter inch from the
bottom. Be sure not to press the tip against the bottom of the container.
3. If you are right handed, hold the pipette in your right hand, leaving your index finger free to
place over the top of the pipette. With your left hand, squeeze the pipette bulb. Press it firmly
over the top of the pipette, but DO NOT INSERT THE PIPET DEEP INTO THE BULB!
4. Release the pressure on the bulb and allow the solution to be drawn up into the pipette until it
is above the volume mark. Do not allow the solution to be sucked into the bulb itself.
5. Quickly remove the bulb and place your index finger firmly over the top of the pipette. Then
remove the pipette tip from the beaker of solution.
6. Slowly roll your finger to one side and allow the liquid to drain until the bottom of the meniscus
is aligned with the volume mark. With practice you will be able to lower the liquid very, very
slowly.
 7. When the bottom of the meniscus is even with the volume mark, press your index finger firmly
on the top of the pipette so no liquid leaks out. Touch the tip once to the side of the beaker to
remove any hanging drops.
8. To transfer the solution, place the tip of the pipette against the wall of the receiving container at
a slight angle. Then allow the liquid to drain from the pipette.
9. When the solution stops flowing, touch the pipette once to the side of the receiving container to
remove any hanging drops. DO NOT blow out the remaining solution. The pipette has been
calibrated to deliver the appropriate amount of solution with some remaining in the tip.
Calculations

Molarity of Acetic Acid in Vinegar

 First, using the known molarity of the NaOHNaOH (aq) and the volume

of NaOHNaOH (aq) required to reach the equivalence point, calculate the moles
of NaOHNaOH used in the titration.
 From this mole value (of NaOHNaOH), obtain the moles of HC2H3O2HC2H3O2 in the
vinegar sample, using the mole-to-mole ratio in the balanced equation.
 Finally, calculate the molarity of acetic acid in vinegar from the moles
of HC2H3O2HC2H3O2 and the volume of the vinegar sample used.

Mass Percent of Acetic Acid in Vinegar

 First, convert the moles of HC2H3O2HC2H3O2 in the vinegar sample (previously

calculated) to a mass of HC2H3O2HC2H3O2, via its molar mass.
 Then determine the total mass of the vinegar sample from the vinegar volume and the vinegar
density. Assume that the vinegar density is 1.000 g/mL (= to the density of water).
 Finally, calculate the mass percent of acetic acid in vinegar from the mass
of HC2H3O2HC2H3O2 and the mass of vinegar.
Pre-laboratory Assignment: Titration of Vinegar
1. In this lab, you will perform a titration using sodium hydroxide and acetic acid (in vinegar). Write
the balanced neutralization reaction that occurs between sodium hydroxide and acetic acid.
2. Specialized equipment is needed to perform a titration.
 Consider the sodium hydroxide reactant.
o Name the specialized device the sodium hydroxide is placed in.
o Is the concentration of the sodium hydroxide known or unknown?
o Is sodium hydroxide the analyte or the titrant?
 Consider the acetic acid reactant.
o What type of flask is the acetic acid placed in?
o What volume of acetic acid is used?
o What specialized device is used to obtain this precise volume?
o Is the acetic acid the analyte or the titrant?
 3. You will add sodium hydroxide to the acetic acid until all the acetic acid is consumed. This is a
special point in the titration called the _________________________ point.
4. An indicator solution is used to indicate when all the acetic acid has been consumed and that
the reaction in complete.
 What is the name of the indicator solution?
 Is this indicator mixed with sodium hydroxide or acetic acid?
 How exactly does the indicator let you know when the reaction is complete?

Lab Report:  Titration of Vinegar

Experimental Data

Trial 1

Initial Buret Reading

Final Buret Reading
Volume of NaOHNaOH (aq) used
Molarity of NaOHNaOH (aq) used
Volume of Vinegar used
Color at equivalence point – to be recorded by your
instructor

Data Analysis

Write the balanced equation for the neutralization reaction between aqueous sodium hydroxide
and acetic acid.

The Molarity of Acetic Acid in Vinegar

Use your two best sets of results (with the palest pink equivalence points) along with the
balanced equation to determine the molarity of acetic acid in vinegar. Show all work for each
step in the spaces provided.

Data used ⇒ Trial _____

Moles of NaOHNaOH used in titration
Moles of HC2H3O2HC2H3O2 neutralized in vinegar
sample
Molarity of HC2H3O2HC2H3O2 in vinegar
Average Molarity
 The Mass Percent of Acetic Acid in Vinegar

Use your two best sets of results along with calculated values in the previous table to determine
the mass percent of acetic acid in vinegar. Show all work for each step in the spaces provided.

Data used ⇒ Trial _____

Mass of HC2H3O2HC2H3O2 in vinegar sample
Mass of vinegar sample (assume density = 1.00 g/mL)
Mass Percent of HC2H3O2HC2H3O2 in vinegar
Average Mass Percent
Questions
1. What was the purpose of the phenolphthalein indicator in this experiment? Be specific.
2. Suppose you added 40 mL of water to your vinegar sample instead of 20 mL. Would the titration
have required more, less or the same amount of NaOHNaOH (aq) for a complete reaction?
Explain.
3. Consider a 0.586 M aqueous solution of barium hydroxide, Ba(OH)2Ba(OH)2 (aq).
 How many grams of Ba(OH)2Ba(OH)2 are dissolved in 0.191 dL of 0.586
M Ba(OH)2Ba(OH)2 (aq)?
 How many individual hydroxide ions (OH−1OH−1) are found in 13.4 mL of 0.586
M Ba(OH)2Ba(OH)2 (aq)?
 What volume (in L) of 0.586 M Ba(OH)2Ba(OH)2 (aq) contains 0.466 ounces
of Ba(OH)2Ba(OH)2 dissolved in it?
4. If 16.0 mL of water are added to 31.5 mL of 0.586 M Ba(OH)2Ba(OH)2 (aq), what is the
new solution molarity?
5. Suppose you had titrated your vinegar sample with barium hydroxide instead of sodium
hydroxide:
Ba(OH)2(aq)+2HC2H3O2(aq)⟶Ba(C2H3O2)2(aq)+2H2O(l)(11.4)
(11.4)Ba(OH)2(aq)+2HC2H3O2(aq)⟶Ba(C2H3O2)2(aq)+2H2O(l)

 What volume (in mL) of 0.586 M Ba(OH)2Ba(OH)2 (aq) must be added to a 5.00 mL sample
of vinegar to reach the equivalence point? Use your average vinegar molarity (see page 1) in this
calculation.
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