Feasibility of Performing Concurrent Coulometric Titrations Using a Multicompartment Electrolysis Cell

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Electrochemistry

Background:

• Traditional coulometric titrations are performed individually.
• A need exists for more efficient analytical techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the feasibility of performing multiple coulometric titrations simultaneously in a single electrolysis setup.
• To validate the accuracy and efficiency of concurrent coulometric titrations.

Main Methods:

• A multi-compartment cell with interconnected electrodes and salt bridges was designed.
• Electrogenerated reagents were produced for concurrent titrations.
• Faraday's laws of electrolysis were applied to correlate charge with analyte concentration.
• Titration endpoints were determined using visual indicators.

Main Results:

• Experimental coulombs for potassium hydrogen phthalate, MnO4-, OH-, and S2O32- matched theoretical values.
• Accurate determination of acetic acid (5.1%) in vinegar and ascorbic acid (980 mg) in supplements was achieved.
• Results aligned with volumetric titrations and manufacturer specifications.

Conclusions:

• Concurrent coulometric titrations are feasible and accurate.
• This method offers an efficient approach for quantitative analysis.
• The technique is applicable to real-world samples like food and supplements.