0.1 Acetic Acid Preparation
Introduction
Acetic acid is a weak organic acid commonly used in various laboratory settings as a solvent, reagent, and pH adjuster. The 0.1 M acetic acid solution is a common concentration used in many applications, including HPLC, spectroscopy, and biological experiments. In this article, we will guide you through the preparation of 0.1 M acetic acid solution.
Materials
- Acetic acid (CH3COOH) - 99.8% (w/w)
- Distilled water
- A 100 mL volumetric flask
- A pipette or burette
- A stirring rod or magnetic stirrer
Preparation
Step 1: Calculate the Volume of Acetic Acid
To prepare 100 mL of 0.1 M acetic acid solution, you need to calculate the volume of acetic acid required. The molar mass of acetic acid is 60.05 g/mol. You can use the following formula to calculate the volume:
Volume of acetic acid (mL) = (Molarity x Molar mass x Volume of solution) / Density of acetic acid
Where:
- Molarity (M) = 0.1 M
- Molar mass (g/mol) = 60.05 g/mol
- Volume of solution (mL) = 100 mL
- Density of acetic acid (g/mL) = 1.049 g/mL (at 20°C)
Volume of acetic acid (mL) = (0.1 M x 60.05 g/mol x 100 mL) / 1.049 g/mL ≈ 0.57 mL
Step 2: Weigh and Transfer the Acetic Acid
Using a pipette or burette, accurately measure and transfer 0.57 mL of acetic acid into a 100 mL volumetric flask.
Step 3: Add Distilled Water
Add distilled water to the volumetric flask until the total volume reaches 100 mL. Mix the solution thoroughly using a stirring rod or magnetic stirrer.
Step 4: Verify the pH
Using a pH meter, verify that the pH of the solution is around 2.87, which is the expected pH of a 0.1 M acetic acid solution.
Tips and Precautions
- Handle acetic acid with caution, as it is a corrosive and irritant substance. Wear protective gloves, goggles, and lab coats when handling the acid.
- Ensure the volumetric flask is clean and dry before preparing the solution.
- Use a precise pipette or burette to measure the volume of acetic acid accurately.
- Store the 0.1 M acetic acid solution in a tightly capped bottle and label it properly.
Conclusion
With these simple steps, you have successfully prepared 100 mL of 0.1 M acetic acid solution. This solution is now ready for use in various laboratory applications. Remember to handle the solution with caution and follow proper laboratory safety protocols.
