Conductometric titrations involve the gradual addition of a titrant (a solution of known concentration) to the analyte (a solution of unknown concentration) while continuously monitoring the conductivity of the resulting mixture.
The titration curve, which plots conductivity as a function of titrant volume, shows characteristic changes that reflect the reaction between the analyte and the titrant.
This allows for determining the endpoint of the titration and calculating the concentration of the analyte.
Types of Conductometric Titrations:
1) Acid-base titrations:
Involves the neutralization of an acid by a base (or vice versa).
The change in the number of ions in the solution, along with their mobility, results in a change in conductivity.
2) Precipitation titrations:
Occurs when a precipitate forms as the titrant reacts with the analyte.
The formation of a precipitate reduces the number of free ions in the solution, which decreases conductivity.
3) Redox titrations:
Involves reactions between reducing and oxidizing agents.
The conductivity changes as the redox-active species are converted to different ionic forms.
4) Complexometric titrations:
These titrations involve the formation of a complex between the analyte and titrant
This reaction results in a change in the concentration of free ions in the solution, leading to a corresponding change in conductivity.