Amy Tran 11G

Acid content of vinegar

Introduction
A titration, also known as volumetric analysis, is a procedure used in chemistry in order to determine
the molarity of an acid or a base. A solution of known concentration is slowly added to a known
volume of another solution of unknown concentration until the reaction reaches neutralisation, which
is often shown by a change in colour. For acid-base titrations, a pH indicator is used in order to
determine whether neutralisation has been reached. Vinegar contains a small percentage of acetic acid
and this concentration can be found with standard solution sodium hydroxide through acid-base
titration.
Aim
To determine the concentration of acetic acid, CH3COOH(aq), in vinegar (commercial vinegar, Coles
Smart Buy brand)
Hypothesis
It is hypothesised that the amount of acetic acid (g) can be found in commercial vinegar by
neutralising the acid with sodium hydroxide.
Apparatus
20 mL vinegar
100 mL 0.1 M NaOH
Phenolphthalein indicator
100 mL conical flask
Distilled water
Burette
Burette stand and clamp
Funnel
Tile
Electronic balance
Safety equipment (lab coat, safety goggles, gloves)
Method
1. The brand name, volume, and cost of the vinegar was recorded
2. Approximately 3 g of vinegar was weighed accurately in a 100 mL conical flask and the exact
mass was recorded
3. 30 mL of distilled water and four drops of phenolphthalein indicator was added to the flask
4. A burette was rinsed with sodium hydroxide solution then filled with fresh sodium hydroxide
and its exact level was recorded
5. The sodium hydroxide was slowly released into the vinegar solution whilst the flask was
swirled continuously and was stopped when the indicator changed to a pink colour that
persisted for a minute
6. The new level of sodium hydroxide in the burette was recorded and the volume used in the
reaction was calculated
7. Steps 2, 3, 5 and 6 were repeated four more times so that five results were obtained

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Results
Table 1: The amount of sodium hydroxide used to identify how much acetic acid present in vinegar
Amount of vinegar (g)

Amount of NaOH (mL)

3.0

21.05

3.0

21.10

3.1

20.20

3.0

20.95

3.0

21.5
Average titre = 21.22mL / 0.02122L

Questions
1. Calculate the mass of acetic acid in each sample of vinegar

2. Calculate the average concentration of acetic acid as a percentage by mass

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3. Calculate the cost of a gram of acetic acid in your brand of vinegar.

4. If different members of your class used different brands of vinegar, which brand appears to
be the best value for money based on acetic content?
Cornwells vinegar: $2.05 per 375mL - $0.1309/g (of acetic acid)
Anchor vinegar: $1.38/g
Moro White Wine vinegar: $0.12/g
It can be determined that the Coles Smart Buy Brand is the best value for money based on
acetic content, as it only costs $0.001354 per gram.
5.

Write an equation for the reaction that occurs between the acetic acid and the sodium
hydroxide.
NaOH(aq) + CH3COOH(aq) CH3COONa(aq) + H2O(l)

6. Suggest possible sources of error in your determination.

A possible source of error during the determination of the amount of acetic acid in a sample of
vinegar is when too much NaOH was released into the vinegar solution, it would cause
overshooting therefore showing inaccurate measurements. Another source of error is
misjudging the indicator colour near the end point which could alter the results and using
contaminated equipment or solutions, changing pH levels.
Conclusion
The amount of acetic acid, CH3COOH(aq), in of Coles Smart Buy brand vinegar is 0.12732g. The
result was obtained through stoichiometric calculations between the neutralisation of acetic acid
(found in the vinegar) and a standard sodium hydroxide solution. The standard sodium hydroxide
solution was titrated against the dilute vinegar solution and the volume of the standard sodium
hydroxide solution was obtained. Then, using the obtained volume and the chemical equation between
acetic acid and sodium hydroxide, the amount of acetic acid (g) was then calculated. Based on the
results, it was also determined that the Coles Smart Buy brand was the best value for money as it
costed less than the other brands per gram of vinegar.
If given the chance to do the experiment again, it would be ensured that all equipment would be
properly and thoroughly cleaned in order to avoid contamination and there would be no unexpected
changes in pH levels. Additionally, the conical flask was not swirled with a consistent speed with every
titre; therefore it must be swirled vigorously enough throughout the titration. This ensures that the
solution in the flask is homogenous and presents a uniform shade of pink.

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Risk Assessment
Preparation/Provision of
Acetic acid

Sodium hydroxide

Acute Hazards
It is flammable and
can form explosive
vapours when stored
at temperatures over
39C.
Avoid all contact with
acetic acid. If inhaled,
it can cause sore
throat, coughing,
burning sensation,
headache, dizziness,
shortness of breath
and labored
breathing.
If it comes into
contact with skin, it
can cause blisters,
redness and pain.
If it comes into
contact with eyes, it
can cause loss of
vision, severe deep
burning and redness.
If ingested, it can
cause abdominal
pain, diarrhoea,
shock or collapse and
vomiting.

Control Measures
Ensure the acid is well
away from any open
flames and if stored
above 39C, ensure a
closed system,
ventilation; explosionproof electrical
equipment is used.
Wear safety gear (lab
coat, gloves, protective
goggles) and do not
eat, smoke or drink
during work.

First Aid
In case of fire, use
powder, alcoholresistant foam,
water spray or
carbon dioxide.
If inhalation
occurs, treat with
fresh air and rest.
Refer for medical
attention.
If there is exposure
to skin, remove
contaminated
clothing and rinse
skin with plenty of
water. Refer for
medical attention.
If there is contact
with eyes, rise with
plenty of water for
several minutes
and refer for
medical attention.
If ingested, do not
induce vomiting.
Rinse mouth and
give plenty of
water and refer to
doctor.

It is not combustible
but contact with
moisture may
generate sufcient
heat to ignite
combustible
substances.
Avoid all contact with
sodium hydroxide;
see a doctor in all
cases.
If inhaled, it can
cause sore throat,
coughing, burning
sensation, headache,
dizziness, shortness
of breath, labored
breathing and is
corrosive.
If it comes into
contact with skin, it
can cause blisters,
redness, serious
burns, and is
corrosive.
If it comes into
contact with eyes, it
can cause loss of
vision, severe deep

Wear safety gear (lab

coat, gloves, protective
goggles) and do not
eat, smoke or drink
during work.

If inhalation
occurs, treat with
fresh air and rest.
Artificial
respiration may be
required. Refer for
medical attention.
If there is exposure
to skin, remove
contaminated
clothing and rinse
skin with plenty of
water. Refer for
medical attention.
If there is contact
with eyes, rise with
plenty of water for
several minutes
and refer for
medical attention.
If ingested, do not
induce vomiting.
Rinse mouth and
give plenty of
water and refer to
doctor.

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burning and redness.

If ingested, it can
cause abdominal
pain, shock or
collapse and
vomiting.