Overview

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• Source: Microbioz India


• Date: 21 Mar,2025

While titration is enhanced to determine the concentration of a substance within a solution, even seasoned professionals within a lab will make mistakes, as there are many errors that can jeopardize their result. The understanding of these errors, ranging from bad technique to poor apparatus, will aid you in fine-tuning and resolving the issues in your titration.

Mistakes Done in Titration and Tips to Solve Them

Misjudging the Endpoint

Problem:

This is the simplest of mistakes, believing to either stumble over or go beyond the endpoint and thus obtain inaccurate results.

Solution:

Select the indicator for the reaction diligently, and pour in the titrant as gradually as possible, especially when you are at the vicinity of the expected endpoint. There is also an option of using an automated titrator, which makes it easier to get rid of manual error.

Inaccurate Volume Measurements

Problem:

Reading the incorrect measurements due to the usage of ill-calibrated burettes or even pipettes could end in these volumetric devices being uncalibrated.

Solution:

Ensure that all volumetric devices are calibrated to a standard periodically and also maintained. Apart from that, make sure the eye level is at correct orientation when the meniscus is being read.

Parallax Error

Problem:

The predominant issue comes with people being out of correct alignment for where the meniscus is being read while it is an error due to the offset of a set sight line. Imitating this can hinder the accurate depiction of volume measurement.

Solution:

In this case, the best way to minimize errors is to ensure that the meniscus/eye alignment is always at the correct position for reading.

Also read:

Common Titration Errors to Avoid and How to Correct Them

Improper Sample Preparation

Problem:

These can range from samples that are irrefutably heterogeneous to samples that have been poorly prepared in anticipation of more complex analysis.

Solution:

Ensure that the samples being analyzed are always referred to as frozen for a more accurate study and that there are certain standard preparation techniques for the analysis that must be followed.

Reagents that are either contaminated or out of date.

Problem:

The accuracy of the titration is influenced negatively by the use of contaminated and/or outdated reagents.

Solution:

Ensure proper storage of reagents and that expiry dates are checked. Solutions should be made fresh when needed.

The influence of temperature.

Problem:

Determining the endpoints for temperature changes for a reaction can be subject to change due to temperature changes.

Solution:

Titrations should be conducted at the same temperature preferably within a laboratory setting.

Leakage from a burette.

Problem:

Accuracy of the titrant volume is affected by leaks or drips from the burette.

Solution:

Check the burette valves regularly and make sure they are properly sealed before starting the titration.

Best Practices to Minimize Titration Errors

1. Reduce random errors by performing replicates and averaging results from at least three different titrations.
2. Address any intervening bias there might be from the surrounding environment or reagents using blank titrations.
3. Retain thorough records of dictated processes and outcomes for ease of reference when things go wrong.

Conclusion

Being faced with errors while conducting titration can be annoying, however, understanding and solving common problems can help deal with more complex problems to improve accuracy and aid in increasing the confidence of findings. Use methodical approaches, the proper equipment, and practice to address these challenges and eliminate inconsistencies in outcomes.

For more Tip-the-Lab insight documents dealing with precision as well as drill-in guides and the remaining components of the analytical puzzle head to the news desk for more information.