Chemical Fundamentals

The general reactions behind Karl Fischer titration are as follows:

CH₃ OH + SO₂ + RN → [RNH]SO₃CH₃

H₂O + I₂ + [RNH]SO₃CH₃ + 2 RN → [RNH]SO₄ CH₃ + 2 [RNH]I

(RN = Base)

This reaction consumes water and iodine in a 1:1 ratio. In order to assure a stoichiometric course of the Karl Fischer reaction, certain fundamental requirements must be met and several potential interferences must be avoided. The choice of working medium and pH range are the most critical considerations.

• Working medium
• pH value
  
  

• HYDRANAL^® reagents
• Standard procedures for Karl Fischer Titration
  

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