1. Why is a dilute solution of NaOH used in the standardization of NaOH?

-The NaOH was diluted to avoid formation of carbonates from the reaction of
NaOH and the air.
2. What is the rationale behind the dilution and aliquoting of the aspirin sample?
-Diluting and using aliquots can make the titration of asipirin quicker,
because it will require less titrant to neutralize.
3. What are the principles behind the use of back titration in the analysis of
aspirin tablet?
-Back titration is used for the analysis of aspirin tablet because
acetylsalicyclic acid reacts slowly in a forward reaction. Therefore, it is more
recommended to use back titration, where excess titrant is added to the
solution, and the amount of unreacted titrant is determined in order to get
the amount that did react with the solution.
4. What is the importance of simmering the tablet in NaOH for 20 minutes?
-The tablet was simmered in NaOH to ensure that ASA will dissociate into its
components, which are acetic acid and salicylic acid.
5. What are the possible sources of errors and their effect
on the calculated
parameters?
-Instrumental error: in can make the calculated concentrations and amounts
higher or lower
-Not simmering the tablet in NaOH for the appropriate time: it can make the
calculated amount of ASA lower than its actual amount.
-not using distilled water: The impurities can react with the titrants and make
the calculated concentration higher.