Karl Fischer Titration Guide. Part 1

Mettler-Toledo GmbH

Basics

Introduction to Karl Fischer Titration. This brochure explains the chemical reaction and the two major measuring techniques: Volumetry and coulometry. I also presents a short, historic overview of the development of Karl Fischer’s method.

The Karl Fischer method for the water content determination is one of the most frequently used titration methods. Published by German petrochemist Karl Fischer in 1935, it has become well renowned for a wide variety of applications and samples.

The determination of the water content according to Karl Fischer is nowadays performed by two different techniques:

Volumetric Karl Fischer Titration, where a solution containing iodine is added using a motorized piston burette Coulometric Karl Fischer Analysis, where iodine is generated by electrochemical oxidation in the cell

The selection of the appropriate titration technique is based on the estimated water content in the sample:

Volumetric Karl Fischer Titration
Iodine is added by a burette during titration. Suitable for samples where water is present as a major component: 100 ppm - 100%

Coulometric Karl Fischer Analysis
Iodine is generated electrochemically during titration. Suitable for samples where water is present in trace amounts: 1 ppm - 5%

White Paper classification

Applications

coulometric titration
coulometry
volumetric titration
volumetry

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Karl Fischer Titration Guide. Part 1

Basics

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Topic world Titration

The process of titration gives us the possibility to determine the exact concentration of a substance in a solution. Whether in drug manufacturing, environmental chemistry or quality control, this method allows us to ensure that our findings and products are accurate and reliable.

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Topic world Titration

The process of titration gives us the possibility to determine the exact concentration of a substance in a solution. Whether in drug manufacturing, environmental chemistry or quality control, this method allows us to ensure that our findings and products are accurate and reliable.

10+ products
15+ whitepaper
10+ brochures