Titration is one of the most fundamental and versatile techniques in analytical chemistry. From high school laboratories to advanced research facilities, titration is used to measure the concentration of a substance with accuracy and precision.
In Australia, titration is not only a core part of chemistry education but also a method applied across industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage testing, water treatment, and mining. If you’ve ever taken part in a Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) Titration Competition during school, you’ll know just how important the technique is for building strong analytical skills.
In this guide, we’ll explore the main types of titration, their principles, applications, and the equipment needed to perform them.
What is Titration?
At its core, titration is a process where a solution of known concentration (the titrant) is added to a solution of unknown concentration (the analyte) until the reaction between them reaches completion. This completion point is called the endpoint and is usually signalled by a colour change, the formation of a precipitate, or a measurable change in electrical potential.
The main goal: determine the exact concentration of the unknown solution.
Types of Titration
1. Acid–Base Titration
This is the most common and widely taught form of titration. It relies on the neutralisation reaction between an acid and a base.
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How it works: A known acid (e.g., hydrochloric acid) is titrated against a base (e.g., sodium hydroxide), or vice versa. An indicator such as phenolphthalein or methyl orange shows the endpoint by changing colour.
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Applications:
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Determining the concentration of acids or bases in laboratories
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Testing acidity in foods and beverages (wine, vinegar, fruit juice)
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Quality control in pharmaceuticals
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2. Redox Titration
Redox titrations involve electron transfer reactions between the titrant and analyte. Instead of relying solely on indicators, the chemicals themselves often change colour.
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How it works: Common examples include potassium permanganate (a strong oxidising agent) used against reducing agents, or iodine-based titrations.
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Applications:
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Determining iron levels in water and food
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Measuring dissolved oxygen in water samples
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Environmental and industrial chemical testing
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3. Complexometric Titration
This technique is based on the formation of stable complexes between metal ions and a complexing agent, most commonly EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid).
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How it works: EDTA binds tightly to metal ions, with the endpoint often indicated by dyes such as Eriochrome Black T.
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Applications:
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Determining water hardness (levels of calcium and magnesium)
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Analysing metal content in alloys and minerals
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Environmental monitoring in mining and agriculture
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4. Precipitation Titration
In precipitation titrations, the analyte and titrant react to form an insoluble solid.
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How it works: A common example is using silver nitrate to measure chloride concentration. The endpoint is detected by visual changes or special indicators.
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Applications:
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Chloride analysis in drinking water and seawater
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Determining halide ion concentration in salts
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Quality control in chemical manufacturing
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Why Titration Matters
Titration is not just a classroom experiment — it’s a critical analytical method used every day in Australian laboratories. Some real-world examples include:
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Food industry: Testing acidity levels in wine, dairy products, and juices
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Pharmaceuticals: Ensuring accurate drug formulations
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Water treatment plants: Monitoring water hardness, dissolved oxygen, and chlorine levels
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Mining and agriculture: Analysing ore samples and soil chemistry
The accuracy of titration ensures compliance with industry standards and provides reliable data for research and production.
Essential Titration Equipment
To carry out titrations successfully, a well-equipped laboratory setup is crucial. The basic equipment includes:
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Burettes – for accurately dispensing titrant
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Pipettes and pipette fillers – for measuring analyte volumes
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Conical flasks and beakers – for mixing and reactions
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Indicators – chemical substances that show the endpoint
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Magnetic stirrers and burette stands – for precision and ease of use
At [Your Company Name], we supply high-quality titration equipment for schools, universities, and professional laboratories across Australia. From complete titration kits for students to advanced digital burettes for research facilities, we’ve got everything you need to achieve accurate results.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the different types of titration — acid–base, redox, complexometric, and precipitation — is essential for anyone working with chemical analysis. Whether you’re a student learning the basics or a professional conducting high-level research, titration remains a powerful, reliable technique.
If you’re looking for titration equipment in Australia, explore our online store to find durable and accurate tools designed for both education and industry.