Aquinas University of Legazpi

COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES

Vita Veritatis Et Amoris Ex Gratitudine

PHAR CHEM 103.1: QUALITY CONTROL 1 (DRUG TESTING AND ASSAY, LAB)

ASSAY OF SODIUM CHLORIDE IN DRIED FISH

Mendoza, Vincent Gregorya, Alarte, Eunice Jairaa, Almonte, John Michaela, Cometa, Nicole Loraine
Gracea, Dipad, Elaine Joycea, Medalla, Marco Xianexa,

BS Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Aquinas University, Rawis, Legazpi City, Philippines

ABSTRACT
Dried fish in the market have varying salt content depending on how it was prepared. This activity was performed
by the group to determine the Sodium chloride content of the dried fish available n the local market using the Mohr
method. This determines the Chloride ion concentration of a solution by titration with Silver nitrate. As the Silver
nitrate solution is slowly added, a precipitate of Silver chloride forms. The indicator in this experiment is diluted
Potassium chromate solution. Although the method used in the experiment was appropriately carried out, the end
point was not reached due to some technical factors. The end point that was needed to be achieved by the
researchers displayed a brownish red color. The brownish red color indicates that silver ions present in the sample
started to react with Potassium chromate. The reaction would most likely cause the brownish red color due to the
formation of Silver chromate.

I. INTRODUCTION
Sodium chloride is one of the most used chemical compounds used in chemistry and the food industry, alike. It has a
molecular weight of 58.5 grams per mole. One of its many uses is in the method of preservation of fishes. In the
assay of Sodium chloride in dried fish, the Mohr method is commonly used. The Mohr method of Volumetric
Analysis utilizes Potassium chromate as an indicator. An assay is conducted to determine the percentage
composition of a substance in a given sample. Assay is an important process in the practice of Pharmacy. It is
essential for the students or researchers to be familiar with the process and kinds of assay, especially in controlling
and maintaining the quality of a product.

II. EXPERIMENTAL

Materials and Reagents:

The materials and reagents used in the experiment
were dried fish (analyte), distilled water, standard
Silver nitrate solution (titrant) and Potassium
chromate (indicator).

Procedures:
The experiment starts with weighing accurately 1.5 to
2 grams of dried fish in a tared flask which is then

macerated with 200 ml of hot distilled water for 30

minutes. It is then filtered and the filtrate is collected
in a 250 ml volumetric flask. The beaker is then
rinsed with 30 ml of hot distilled water and filtered
through the same filter paper and received the filtrate
in the same volumetric flask. Afterwards, it is the
diluted with water to the mark. 20.0 ml of aliquot
portion is taken for the assay. 5 drops of Potassium
chromate indicator are added to the aliquot portion.
Lastly, titrate the solution with standard Silver nitrate
solution to the appearance of a brownish red color.

III. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

After titrating the sample with 50 ml of standard
Silver nitrate solution, the researchers could no
longer achieve the brownish red color of the
endpoint. There was simply no reagent left to titrate
the analyte with, thus, an incomplete reaction. But
this is not to say that the experiment was a total
failure. According to the researchers instructor, the
sample was very close to achieving the end point.

The sample appeared to be brownish orange in color

and, given enough titrant, would have easily
displayed the appropriate end point color.
Unfortunately, due to the lack of resources, this was
not achieved. This particular factor was beyond the
control of the researchers and has greatly affected the
outcome of the experiment.

REFERENCES
[1] Brown, W., Poon, Thomas., (2014) Introduction to Organic Chemistry (5th ed.). Asia: John Wiley & Sons
(Asia) Pte Ltd

[2] Percentage Purity of a Chemical Reaction Product. Retrieved December 11, 1026 from
www.docbrown.info/page04/4_73calcs14other1.htm

[3] Chang, R., (2006) General Chemistry (4th ed.). Asia: McGraw- Hill Education (Asia)

[4] Jenkin, G.L., et al (1997). Jenkins Quantitative Pharmaceutical Chemistry

[5] Skoog, D.A, et al (2003). Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry (8th ed.).

[6] United States Pharmacopoeia (35th ed.).