Question

How can you test for ammonia in a commercial cleaner

Answer 1

Ammonia in a commercial cleaner can be determined by the titration with 0.50 M solution of HCl. The base (ammonia) is titrated with (aq.) HCl alongwith the determination of pH. The graph of pH and the volume of the titrant can be made. At the equivalent point (where acid neutralize the base) the pH will change more gradually. So from this equivalent point we can determine the volume of aq. HCl used. Then by using molarity equation we can determine the conc. of ammonia.

M_​aV_​a = M_bV_​b

where M_a​ = Malarity of HCl (0.50 M).

           V_​a = volume of HCl used (determined from equivalent point)

            V_b​ = volume of ammonia taken in the flask for titration.