How to Prepare 0.1 N Oxalic Acid?

by

Oxalic acid is a reducing agent, and its conjugate base is oxalate. (C2O4)2- Oxalate acts as a chelating agent for metal cations. Oxalic acid is usually found as a dihydrate with the formula H2C2O4.2H2O.

How to Prepare 0.1 N Oxalic Acid?
How to Prepare 0.1 N Oxalic Acid?

Equivalent Weight of Oxalic Acid

Hydrated oxalic acid has a molecular weight of 126 grams. Because its chemical formula is COOH-COOH, it is clear that oxalic acid is a dibasic acid capable of donating two H+ ions. As a result, the equivalent weight of oxalic acid may be determined utilizing the following formula:

Equivalent weight = (molecular weight)/(number of equivalent moles)

Equivalent mass of oxalic acid = molecular mass of oxalic acid / 2

= 126 / 2

= 63 grams.

Therefore, 63 grams of oxalic acid is the equivalent weight.

Preparation

Since oxalic acid is accessible in its purest form, standard solutions may be produced via the direct technique.

Considering that the equivalent weight of hydrated oxalic acid (C2H2O4.2H2O) is 63, 0.1N solution would have 6.3 g/litre while 0.05 N solution would have 3.15 g/litre. These standard solutions are used to determine the strength of alkali (NaOH and KOH) solutions for which standard solutions cannot be prepared directly.

Preparation Of 0.1 N Oxalic Acid Solution

  • Weigh precisely 6.3 grams of oxalic acid, dissolve it in distilled water, and finally fill the volumetric flask with exactly 1.0 liter.

Standardization of 0.1 N Oxalic Acid Solution

  • Step 1: All glassware should be sterilized and dried according to regular laboratory procedures.
  • Step 2: Add 20 ml of prepared oxalic acid to a conical flask that has been sterilized.
  • Step 3: Add 5 ml of sulfuric acid to the flask and heat at the temperature of 70 °C.
  • Step 4: Pre-rinse the burette with the solution of potassium permanganate before rinsing it with distilled water.
  • Step 5: Start the titration at 0.1N KMnO4 and continue it to the termination point.
  • Step 6: The appearance of a pink hue that lasts for more than 30 seconds is the final outcome.
  • Step 7: Record the reading. For accurate results, repeat the titration three times.

References

About Author

Photo of author

Jyoti Bashyal

Jyoti Bashyal is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at the University of New Mexico, USA. Her research explores how proteins change their shape and behavior in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. She is interested in how small molecular changes can push a protein away from its healthy role and toward disease, and what those changes reveal about how neurons stay healthy. Her work combines protein biochemistry, chemical biology, and computational tools, building on her earlier research in organic and computational chemistry in Nepal. Outside the lab, she is a dedicated science communicator who loves making complex concepts approachable and engaging. Through writing and teaching, she hopes to spark curiosity about science in students everywhere, especially those who have not yet had the chance to see research up close. Her goal is to connect fundamental discoveries about proteins to real-world understanding of disease and help others see the power and beauty of science in action.

Leave a Comment