Quantitative analysis deals with the determination of the proportions of the various constituents of a given material. For example, what is the percentage of copper and zinc in a sample of brass. One of the most important branches of quantitative analysis is volumetric (or titrimetric) analysis which depends on the accurate measurements of volumes of solutions undergoing a chemical change. In short, a volumetric experiment consists in dissolving a known mass of a substance in water (or any other dissolving reagent such on HCI ) and making up the solution to an exact volume. A measured volume of this solution in completely reacted with another solution in presence of an indicator and thus the end point is located. As a result , the volume of the solution required for complete titration in determined. Knowing the volumes of the reacting solutions, the results are calculated.

Titrimetric analysis is quite quick process and thus has the major advantage over the other type of analysis such as gravimetric analysis.

Main conditions for a titration

It may be pointed out that titrimetric analysis can be carried out only if a suitable reaction is possible between the reactants, e.g., acid and a base. A volumetric experiments between the reactants must satisfy the following conditions:

(i)    A suitable reaction should be possible between the substance to be taken in the burette and the titration flask, i.e., a reaction between an acid and a base; on oxidizing agent and a reducing agent.

(ii)    There should be only one reaction occurring between the solutions taken in the burette and the titration flask. There should be no side reaction which mat complicates the process of calculations.

(iii)    The reaction between the solution taken in the burette and the titration flask must get completed within a reasonable time, i.e., reaction should be quite rapid.

(iv)    The reaction between the solution taken in the burette and the titration flask should be simple so that a definite weight relationship exists between the reactants.

(v)    The reaction between the solution taken in the burette and the titration flask should be possible at about room temperature, i.e., at to very high temperature; in dilute solution and not any very special conditions.

(vi)    A suitable indicator must be available which can help to locate the exact end point.

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