Sequential potentiometric complexometric redox determination of iron(III) and cobalt(II) with application to alloys

A simple potentiometric method is presented for successive determination of iron(III) and cobalt(II) by complexometric titration of the iron(III) with EDTA at pH 2 and 40 degrees , followed by redox titration of the cobalt(II) complex with 1,10-phenanthroline or 2,2'-bipyridyl at pH 4-5 and 40 degrees , with gold(III). There is no interference in either determination from common metal ions other than copper(II), which severely affects the cobalt determination but can be removed by electrolysis. The method has been successfully applied to determination of iron and cobalt in Kovar and Alnico magnet alloys.