CHAPTER 6: Redox Titrimetry

Redox reactions play a major role in modern volumetric analysis and have found application in the analysis of many commercial products. In this chapter a summary of redox chemistry is presented which is contextualised by the following practical activities: standardisation of potassium permanganate; determination of iron in spinach; standardisation of sodium thiosulfate; iodometric back titration of vitamin C; the Ripper method for determination of sulfites in white wine; analysis of paracetamol preparations according to B.P. 1988; determination of caffeine in energy drinks; determination of titanium dioxide in sunscreen. The chapter concludes with two open-ended investigations: which margarine is best and biological oxygen demand.