Chemistry corner!

This is a very common experimental technique used in chemistry to determine the amount of a substance by reacting it with another substance of known concentration. This technique is used to achieve neutralisation.

Titration is a fairly old technique first used by the French chemist Gay-Lussac to determine the chemical composition of water samples. In fact, the term titre (titrer) was first coined as a verb in 1828 meaning " to determine the concentration of a substance in a given sample". Later in the early to mid-twentieth century it was used to analyse the content of the mass produced medicines.

What is neutralisation?

This is a type of chemical reaction in which equal concentration of an acid and alkali react to form a neutral compound.

Is neutralisation important?

It is essential, we all participate in neutralisation reactions every day.

For example:

Toothpastes are slightly alkaline which neutralise the acids produced in the mouth.

Bee stings are acidic in nature and can be treated with alkaline solutions.

Indigestion tablets are taken when we produce excessive amount of acid in our stomach.

Many shower gels and traditional soaps are slightly alkaline to neutralise the acids produced in our sweat.

Think about the next thing you do after you read this article; is this a neutralisation reaction?

Susan John

Head of Chemistry.