Quantitative analysis — volumetric analysis

• Volumetric analysis is based on measuring the volumes of the substances being analysed: the volume of a solution of known concentration (standard solution) which is completely consumed by a known volume of the analyte gives the concentration of the analyte.
• The process is titration.
• To choose the standard solution we must know the suitable reaction between the two solutions.
• It may be:

1. Neutralization (acid–base) — for acids and bases;
2. Oxidation–reduction — for oxidizing or reducing substances;
3. Precipitation — for substances that give sparingly soluble products.

If the analyte is an acid, a standard alkali (NaOH, or Na₂CO₃) is used; if it is basic, a standard acid is used.