Preparation of 0.1M solution of Sulfuric Acid (H₂SO₄)

Preparation of 0.1M solution of Sulfuric Acid (H₂SO₄), start by calculating the volume of concentrated acid required. Concentrated sulfuric acid (98% by weight, density ~1.84 g/mL) contains approximately 1.8032 g of H₂SO₄ per mL. To prepare 1 liter of 0.1 M solution, you need 0.1 moles of H₂SO₄, equivalent to 9.808 g, which corresponds to […]

Preparation of 0.1M solution of Sulfuric Acid (H₂SO₄), start by calculating the volume of concentrated acid required. Concentrated sulfuric acid (98% by weight, density ~1.84 g/mL) contains approximately 1.8032 g of H₂SO₄ per mL. To prepare 1 liter of 0.1 M solution, you need 0.1 moles of H₂SO₄, equivalent to 9.808 g, which corresponds to 5.44 mL of concentrated acid. Always prioritize safety by wearing gloves, goggles, and a lab coat and work in a well-ventilated area. Using a pipette or burette, carefully measure 5.44 mL of concentrated sulfuric acid and slowly add it to about 800 mL of distilled water in a large container—always adding acid to water to prevent splashing or a violent reaction. Stir the solution gently, then transfer it to a 1 L volumetric flask. Rinse the container with distilled water, add the washings to the flask, and dilute with distilled water to the 1 L mark. Finally, mix the solution thoroughly and label it with the concentration and preparation date.

Materials Needed:

  1. Concentrated sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄, usually 98% by weight with a density of ~1.84 g/mL).
  2. Distilled or deionized water.
  3. Volumetric flask (1 L capacity for 1 liter of solution, or appropriate size for the volume you need).
  4. Pipette or burette for measuring concentrated sulfuric acid.
  5. Protective equipment (gloves, safety goggles, lab coat).

Calculation:

The molar mass of H₂SO₄ is approximately 98.08 g/mol.

1.0 Concentrated sulfuric acid (98%) has:

    • Density: ~1.84 g/mL.
    • Mass percent: 98% H₂SO₄ by weight.

Thus, 1 mL of concentrated sulfuric acid contains:

Mass of H₂SO₄ in 1 mL=Density×Mass percent=1.84g/mL×0.981.8032g/mL.

2.0 To prepare a 0.1 M solution:

Moles of H₂SO₄ required in 1 L=0.1mol.

Mass of H₂SO₄ required=0.1mol×98.08g/mol9.808g.

3.0 Volume of concentrated H₂SO₄ to use:

Volume (mL)=Mass of H₂SO₄​/Mass of H₂SO₄ per mL=9.808/1.80325.44mL.

Procedure:

  1. Safety first: Put on gloves, safety goggles, and a lab coat. Work in a fume hood if possible.
  2. Dilution:
    • Measure 5.44 mL of concentrated sulfuric acid using a pipette or burette.
    • Slowly add the acid to about 800 mL of distilled water in a large beaker or flask. Always add acid to water, never water to acid, to prevent splashing or exothermic reactions.
    • Mix the solution gently to ensure proper dilution.
  3. Transfer and adjust volume:
    • Transfer the diluted solution to a 1 L volumetric flask.
    • Rinse the beaker and transfer washings into the flask to ensure no acid is left behind.
    • Add distilled water up to the 1 L mark on the flask.
  4. Mix thoroughly: Invert the flask several times to ensure homogeneity.

Notes:

  • Always handle concentrated acids with care.
  • Ensure accurate measurements for precise molarity.
  • Label the prepared solution with its concentration and preparation date.

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