VI.

Quantitative Wet Methods

These are mainly gravimetric and titrimetric procedures for inorganic substances. An example of a gravimetric analysis is the determination of chloride ion concentration in a solution by causing the precipitation of insoluble silver chloride (AgCl). The precipitate is then collected and weighed. The analysis yields very accurate results.

Titrimetric procedures are commonly based on acid-base reactions such as the titration of acetic acid with a solution of sodium hydroxide (see Acids and Bases). Another common reaction employed is that of a complexing agent, such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), with solutions of metal ions, such as lead or mercury. Reactions suitable for titrations must proceed rapidly to completion, without side reactions that tend to obscure the results. This requirement is more often satisfied by inorganic reactions than by organic functional group chemistry.