Experiment – Preparation of M/10 Mohr’s
Salt Standard Solution (250 mL)
Aim:
To prepare 250 mL of M/10 standard solution of Mohr’s salt (FeSO4 ⋅ (𝑁𝐻4 )2 𝑆𝑂4 ⋅
6𝐻2 𝑂).
Theory:
Mohr’s salt is a double salt of ferrous sulphate and ammonium sulphate.
It is stable and less easily oxidised by air, so it is commonly used as a primary standard
in redox titrations.
Molar mass of Mohr’s salt = 392 g/mol
For a M/10 (0.1 M) solution:
Mass required=Molarity×Molar mass×Volume (L)
=0.1×392×0.250=9.8 g
So, 9.8 g of Mohr’s salt is required for 250 mL of M/10 solution.
To prevent oxidation of Fe²⁺ → Fe³⁺, a small amount of dilute sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄) is
added.
Materials Required:
• Mohr’s salt crystals – 9.8 g
• Dilute H₂SO₄ (1–2 mL)
• Distilled water
• Electronic balance
• 250 mL volumetric flask
• Glass funnel
• Beaker (100 mL)
• Stirring rod
• Dropper
Procedure:
1. Weigh 9.8 g of Mohr’s salt accurately using an electronic balance.
2. Transfer the crystals into a 100 mL beaker.
3. Add about 50 mL of distilled water and stir until the crystals dissolve
completely.
4. Add 1–2 mL of dilute sulphuric acid to prevent oxidation of Fe²⁺ ions.
5. Transfer the solution into a 250 mL volumetric flask using a funnel.
6. Rinse the beaker and funnel with distilled water and add the washings to the
flask.
7. Add distilled water up to the 250 mL mark.
8. Stopper the flask and shake well to make the solution uniform.
Chemical Reaction (Not Always Required but
Good for Record File):
Mohr’s salt does not undergo reaction during preparation; it simply dissolves:
𝐻2 𝑂
FeSO4 ⋅ (𝑁𝐻4 )2 𝑆𝑂4 ⋅ 6𝐻2 𝑂 → Fe2+ + SO2− +
4 + NH4
Precautions:
• Mohr’s salt should be weighed quickly to avoid moisture absorption.
• Always add acid (H₂SO₄) to prevent oxidation of Fe²⁺ ions.
• Avoid shaking vigorously to prevent oxidation by air.
• Ensure the bottom of the meniscus touches the 250 mL mark.
• Use only fresh, pale green Mohr’s salt crystals.
Result:
A 250 mL standard solution of M/10 Mohr’s salt has been successfully prepared.
