AIM

Comparison of citric acid concentrations in different fruit juices

INTRODUCTION
Citric acid is a weak organic acid with the formula C6H8O7.It occurs naturally in
citrus fruits. Sour taste of many fruit juices is due to the presence of different
acids. Citric acid is one among them. It is highly soluble and easily manufactured.
Although it is naturally occurring, it is used as an additive to many drinks to
enhance flavors and increases stability in soft drinks and syrups. According to
some scientific sources many ready to drink fruit juices contain around 16g/L of
total citric acid while juices from actual fruits contain less, around 9g/L

PURPOSE OF THIS EXPIREMENT

 To determine the concentration of citric acid in fruit juices using
standardized NaOH solution
 To determine which fruit juice is more acidic

METHOD USED
Volumetric analysis

THEORY
Volumetric analysis is a quantitative analysis of different components of a
reaction. In this process a solution of accurately known concentration [in this
experiment NaOH solution] is added gradually to another solution of unknown
concentration [in this experiment fruit juice] until the chemical reaction between
the two solutions is complete as shown the indicator. Phenolphthalein was used
as the indicator in this experiment. The solution of known quantity is known as
primary or standard solution and the other unknown quantity is known as
secondary solution. Below is the chemical equation in the determination of citric
acid concentration.
C3H5O(COOH)3 + 3NaOH C3H5O(COONa)3 + 3H2O

Citric acid is capable of donating 3 protons when dissolved in water acid. Salt and
water are formed by the neutralization of base added to it. For regulatory
purpose and for their own manufacturing specifications industries must know the
concentration of citric acid they produce.

CITRIC ACID:- PROS

Citric acid is often used for proper mineral supplementation of food as an acidity
regulator and as a flavoring reagent.

 Boosts renal health

Citric acid ensures proper functioning of kidneys and prevents kidney stones. Its
alkalizing properties and ability to bind to calcium are useful in treating other
kidney diseases.

 Improve mineral absorption

Experts say that citric acid mixes with minerals easily facilitating their absorption
faster.

 Revitalizing the skin

Citric acid is a common ingredient in face packs and skin products. It helps in the
regeneration of skin tissues slowing down the ageing process.

 Soothing sore throats

Citric acid can reduce inflammation caused by tonsillitis. Gargling with a
combination of citric acid and water clears throat infection.

CITRIC ACID:- CONS

Despite many health benefits, citric acid supplementation can cause many side
effects.

 Stomach upset
 Dizziness
 Loss of blood pressure
 Weak hair etc….

MATERIALS USED
1) REAGENTS
 10 ml of each fruit juice
 1 ml phenolphthalein
 1L distilled water
 1g potassium acid phosphate
 2g NaOH pellets

2) APPARATUS
 250ml Beaker [2]
 100ml Graduated cylinder [1]
 Top loading balance [1]
 50ml burette [2]
 Wash bottles [2]
 10ml pipette [1]
 Stir rod [1]
 Iron stand [1]
 Burette holder [1]
 100ml Volumetric flask [2]

PROCEDURE
 I. Preparation of a non-standard solution of NaOH of
approximate molarity of 0.1 M

2g of NaOH pellets are weighed with the help of an electronic balance.

They are dissolved in a small amount of distilled water taken in a 500ml
measuring cylinder with the help of a glass rod. Distilled water is added till
the 500ml mark of the measuring cylinder.

Molecular mass of NaOH= 40

Grams in 500 ml of 0.1 M solution= 2g

RESULT:
An approximate 0.1M solution is prepared

II. Standardizing the prepared NaOH solution by titrating it

against 0.1Msolution of Oxalic acid

 First prepare 0.1M oxalic acid.

 Weigh 3.15g of oxalic acid with the help of an electronic balance.
 Transfer the oxalic acid to a 250ml measuring cylinder and disslove it in
small amount of distilled water.
 Fill the cylinder till the 250ml mark.
 Titrate this solution with the 0.1m NaOH solution

III. Evaluate the concentration of citric acid by volume

Take a conical flask and pour the juice sample into the burette till the 0 ml
mark. With the help of a pipette pour 10ml of 0.097M solution of NaOH into
the beaker. Note down the initial reading of the burette. Now add few drops
of phenolphthalein indicator in the titrating beaker.
Release the burette knob and let the juice sample fall in the beaker without
touching the beaker surface. Perform this procedure till the colour of the
titrating substance changes from light pink to transparent. Close the knob and
note the end point on the burette.
Perform this experiment with 3 readings