[Skip to Content](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com#main-content) [![MilliporeSigma](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/static/logos/purple/millipore_sigma.svg)](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en) Products Cart0 USEN Products [Login / Register](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/oidc-sign-in) [Order Lookup](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/order-lookup) [Quick Order](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/quick-order) Cart0 [Home](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en)[Applications](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/applications)[Analytical Chemistry](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/applications/analytical-chemistry)Titration & Karl Fischer Analysis # Titration & Karl Fischer Analysis ![Karl Fischer titration for analysis of water content in solids, liquids, and gases](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/content/dam/cms-commons/sigmaaldrich/marketing/global/images/categories/analytical-reagents/karl-fischer-titration-mcp.jpg "Karl Fischer titration for analysis of water content in solids, liquids, and gases") ## What is Titration? Titration is a quantitative, analytical technique in which a solution of known concentration, titrant, is used to determine the exact concentration of an unknown compound or purity of a substance. During a titration, the titrant is added dropwise to the dissolved sample, either manually with a glass burette or with a titrator. The titration is complete when enough titrant has been added to react with all the analyte in the sample. An excess of titrant ions is identified either through an indicator color change or change in the electric potential. This point for the completion of the chemical reaction is called the ‘equivalence point’ or ‘endpoint’. Ultimately, the exact amount of the analyte can be calculated from the volume of titrant consumed.   * * * ## Related Products Slide 1 of 16 1 of 4 [![CombiTitrant 5 one-component reagent for volumetric Karl Fischer titration 1 ml ≙ ca. 5 mg H2O Aquastar®](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/deepweb/assets/sigmaaldrich/product/images/217/135/1d14a4df-c8bd-4a51-8198-0deda7a42b28/640/1d14a4df-c8bd-4a51-8198-0deda7a42b28.jpg) \ Supelco \ 1.88005 \ CombiTitrant 5](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/188005) Quick View [![Titrant 5 titrant for volumetric Karl Fischer titration with two component reagents 1 ml ≙ ca. 5 mg H2O Aquastar®](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/deepweb/assets/sigmaaldrich/product/images/163/756/990c7e3f-ffc2-43c8-981c-8fb07cd1cf0c/640/990c7e3f-ffc2-43c8-981c-8fb07cd1cf0c.jpg) \ Supelco \ 1.88010 \ Titrant 5](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/188010) Quick View [![CombiCoulomat fritless Karl Fischer reagent for coulometric water determination for cells with and without diaphragm Aquastar®](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/deepweb/assets/sigmaaldrich/product/images/217/789/8ab8c44a-dcbe-46c5-abed-5d8a75777426/640/8ab8c44a-dcbe-46c5-abed-5d8a75777426.jpg) \ Supelco \ 1.09257 \ CombiCoulomat fritless](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/109257) Quick View [![CombiMethanol Solvent for volumetric Karl Fischer titration with one component reagents max. 0.01% H2O Aquastar®](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/deepweb/assets/sigmaaldrich/product/structures/279/355/cd27060c-fd04-4204-ba32-ecfee12f5b2c/640/cd27060c-fd04-4204-ba32-ecfee12f5b2c.png) \ Supelco \ 1.88009 \ CombiMethanol](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/188009) Quick View [![Sodium hydroxide solution c(NaOH) = 0.1 mol/l (0.1 N), Titripur®, reag. 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USP](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/deepweb/assets/sigmaaldrich/product/structures/546/395/10e67a13-e4c4-4e30-a1da-32e605ea8bfd/640/10e67a13-e4c4-4e30-a1da-32e605ea8bfd.png) \ Supelco \ 1.09060 \ Hydrochloric acid solution](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/109060) Quick View [![Hydrochloric acid solution c(HCl) = 1 mol/l (1 N), Titripur®, reag. Ph. Eur., reag. USP](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/deepweb/assets/sigmaaldrich/product/structures/546/395/10e67a13-e4c4-4e30-a1da-32e605ea8bfd/640/10e67a13-e4c4-4e30-a1da-32e605ea8bfd.png) \ Supelco \ 1.09057 \ Hydrochloric acid solution](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/109057) Quick View [![Silver nitrate solution c(AgNO3) = 0.1 mol/l (0.1 N), Titripur®, reag. Ph. Eur., reag. USP](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/deepweb/assets/sigmaaldrich/product/structures/242/473/e59cf68f-ceb0-4237-a02d-3f2c83f3b988/640/e59cf68f-ceb0-4237-a02d-3f2c83f3b988.png) \ Supelco \ 1.09081 \ Silver nitrate solution](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/109081) Quick View [![Perchloric acid in anhydrous acetic acid, for titrations in non-aqueous media c(HClO4) = 0.1 mol/l (0.1 N), Titripur®, reag. Ph. Eur., reag. USP](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/deepweb/assets/sigmaaldrich/product/structures/236/583/1362ef7c-e200-4241-8835-beb30e05fb80/640/1362ef7c-e200-4241-8835-beb30e05fb80.png) \ Supelco \ 1.09065 \ Perchloric acid](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/109065) Quick View [![Hydrochloric acid solution c(HCl) = 0.1 mol/l (0.1 N), Titripur®, reag. Ph. Eur., reag. USP](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/deepweb/assets/sigmaaldrich/product/structures/546/395/10e67a13-e4c4-4e30-a1da-32e605ea8bfd/640/10e67a13-e4c4-4e30-a1da-32e605ea8bfd.png) \ Supelco \ 1.09060 \ Hydrochloric acid solution](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/109060) Quick View [![Hydrochloric acid solution c(HCl) = 1 mol/l (1 N), Titripur®, reag. Ph. Eur., reag. USP](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/deepweb/assets/sigmaaldrich/product/structures/546/395/10e67a13-e4c4-4e30-a1da-32e605ea8bfd/640/10e67a13-e4c4-4e30-a1da-32e605ea8bfd.png) \ Supelco \ 1.09057 \ Hydrochloric acid solution](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/109057) Quick View [![Silver nitrate solution c(AgNO3) = 0.1 mol/l (0.1 N), Titripur®, reag. Ph. Eur., reag. USP](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/deepweb/assets/sigmaaldrich/product/structures/242/473/e59cf68f-ceb0-4237-a02d-3f2c83f3b988/640/e59cf68f-ceb0-4237-a02d-3f2c83f3b988.png) \ Supelco \ 1.09081 \ Silver nitrate solution](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/109081) Quick View [![Perchloric acid in anhydrous acetic acid, for titrations in non-aqueous media c(HClO4) = 0.1 mol/l (0.1 N), Titripur®, reag. Ph. Eur., reag. USP](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/deepweb/assets/sigmaaldrich/product/structures/236/583/1362ef7c-e200-4241-8835-beb30e05fb80/640/1362ef7c-e200-4241-8835-beb30e05fb80.png) \ Supelco \ 1.09065 \ Perchloric acid](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/mm/109065) Quick View * * * ## Featured Categories [![The image depicts a white bottle of Titripac liquid solution alongside its packaging box. The bottle has a black cap and is partially wrapped with a label containing text and the brand’s logo. The packaging box is white with green accents, displaying information including the product name, usage instructions, and a QR code. Both the bottle and box are placed against a light-colored, plain background. The box has a cutout handle for easy carrying.](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/content/dam/cms-commons/sigmaaldrich/marketing/global/images/categories/analytical-reagents/titripac-volumetric-solutions.jpg "Titripac® packaging for volumetric solutions")](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/products/analytical-chemistry/analytical-reagents/titration-reagents) [Titration Reagents](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/products/analytical-chemistry/analytical-reagents/titration-reagents) Trustful titration results with volumetric solutions, innovative packaging, and RFID data transfer options. [Shop Products](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/products/analytical-chemistry/analytical-reagents/titration-reagents) [![Three titration reagent bottles on a laboratory bench](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/content/dam/cms-commons/sigmaaldrich/marketing/global/images/webinars/webinar-posters/best-practices-karl-fischer-webinar.jpg "Best Practices in Karl Fischer Titration Webinar")](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/products/analytical-chemistry/analytical-reagents/karl-fischer-reagents) [Karl Fischer Reagents](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/products/analytical-chemistry/analytical-reagents/karl-fischer-reagents) Ensure rapid and accurate water determination with Aquastar® titrants. Discover Karl Fischer reagents, water standards, and solutions for reliable analysis. [Shop Products](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/products/analytical-chemistry/analytical-reagents/karl-fischer-reagents) [![The image shows a pharmaceutical setup featuring a medical bottle labeled for Karl Fischer reagents, surrounded by syringes and informational documents, likely used for precise moisture determination in healthcare or laboratory settings.](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/content/dam/cms-commons/sigmaaldrich/marketing/global/images/categories/analytical-reagents/aquastar-product-range.jpg "We offer a wide variety of Aquastar® standards and reagents for Karl Fischer Titration")](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/products/analytical-chemistry/reference-materials/karl-fischer-standards) [Karl Fischer Standards](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/products/analytical-chemistry/reference-materials/karl-fischer-standards) Easily determine water content in solids, liquids, gases using Aquastar® reagents. Accurate results with our water standards for titrations. [Shop Products](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/products/analytical-chemistry/reference-materials/karl-fischer-standards) * * * Overview Related Articles & Protocols Support ## Karl Fischer (KF) Titration Karl Fischer titration is a widespread method used in quality and in-process control, production, research, and development to determine the amount of water in solid, liquid, or gas samples. Water can adversely affect quality, stability, and other physical and chemical properties of raw materials, intermediates, and finished goods. This rapid and accurate method can quantify water content in a variety of substances in concentrations from 10 ppm to 100%. Precise water determination is required by pharmacopoeias, food regulations, ISO guidelines, and ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) methods to ensure the quality and stability of raw materials and finished products. ## Karl Fischer Titration Methods Both volumetric and the coulometric Karl Fischer titration methods use a bi-potentiometric endpoint detection to quantify iodine consumed by water in the sample. An excess of iodine in the titration cell leads to a potential change, indicating the end of the titration. At this point, the addition or generation of iodine is stopped. The coulometric method is preferred for low water content and for liquid samples; the volumetric method is used for solid and liquid samples and can be used for higher water content as well. 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[Find Documents](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/documents-search) [Shop All Products](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/search/titration?focus=products&page=1&perpage=30&sort=relevance&term=Titration&type=product) ## Related Articles - [Importance of Volumetric Solution Standardization](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/technical-article/analytical-chemistry/calibration-qualification-and-validation/standardizationof-volumetric-solutions) The titer determination or standardization of a titration solution is essential for accurate and reliable titration results. - [Titration 4.0](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/technical-article/analytical-chemistry/titration-and-karl-fischer/smartchemicals-improve-titration-data) SmartChemicals enable wireless CoA data transfer, reducing human error in titration experiments. - [Supelco® SmartChemicals for Titration](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/technical-article/analytical-chemistry/titration-and-karl-fischer/supelco-smart-chemicals) For volumetric and Karl Fischer titration, with our new SmartChemicals you can eliminate time-consuming steps and errors by transferring data wirelessly and instantly to your titrator. - [ChemiSphere App for Digital Reagent Data Transfer](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/technical-article/analytical-chemistry/titration-and-karl-fischer/chemisphere-for-digitized-data-transfer-in-titration) Discover the ChemiSphere™ App for secure, contactless reagent data transfer to Metrohm OMNIS titrators, ensuring accuracy, traceability, and efficiency. - [Karl Fischer Titration Tips: Water Content Measurement](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/technical-article/analytical-chemistry/titration-and-karl-fischer/measuring-water-content-of-samples-that-do-not-easily-release-water) Methods including internal extraction, external extraction, and Karl Fischer oven ensure accurate water content determination by titration. - [See All (6)](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/search/facet-search?focus=sitecontent&term=facet-search) ## Related Protocols - [Water Determination in Instant Coffee by Karl Fischer Titration](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/protocol/analytical-chemistry/titration-and-karl-fischer/water-determination-in-instant-coffee-by-karl-fischer-titrations) Foodstuffs often provide a challenge for the water determination by Karl-Fischer. Instant Coffee is such a sample matrix and its water content has influence on quality and shelf life. - [Determination of Water Content in Acetone Using Karl Fischer Titration](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/protocol/analytical-chemistry/titration-and-karl-fischer/water-determination-in-acetone) Summary application report for analysis of moisture in Acetone - [Determination of Water Content in Methanol Using Karl Fischer Titration](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/protocol/analytical-chemistry/titration-and-karl-fischer/water-determination-in-methanol) Summary application report for analysis of moisture in Methanol - [Determination of Water Content in Tablets Using Karl Fischer Titration](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/protocol/analytical-chemistry/titration-and-karl-fischer/water-determination-in-tablets) Summary application report for analysis of moisture in Tablets - [Determination of Water Content in Triethylamine Using Karl Fischer Titration](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/protocol/analytical-chemistry/titration-and-karl-fischer/water-determination-in-triethylamine) Summary application report for analysis of moisture in Triethylamine - [See All (61)](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/search/facet-search?focus=sitecontent&term=facet-search) ### Find More Articles and Protocols Enter Keywords Search ## How Can We Help In case of any questions, please submit a [customer support request](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/support/customer-support) or talk to our customer service team: Email [custserv@sial.com](mailto:custserv@sial.com) or call +1 (800) 244-1173 ## Additional Support - [Chromatogram Search](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/chromatogram-search) Use the Chromatogram Search to identify unknown compounds in your sample. - [Calculators & Apps](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/support/calculators-and-apps) Web Toolbox - science research tools and resources for analytical chemistry, life science, chemical synthesis and materials science. - [Customer Support Request](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/support/customer-support) Customer support including help with orders, products, accounts, and website technical issues. - [FAQ](https://maestro.my.site.com/knowledgeportal/s/) Explore our Frequently Asked Questions for answers to commonly asked questions about our products and services. * * * __Featured Articles__ [Importance of Volumetric Solution Standardization](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/technical-article/analytical-chemistry/calibration-qualification-and-validation/standardizationof-volumetric-solutions) The titer determination or standardization of a titration solution is essential for accurate and reliable titration results. [Titration 4.0](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/technical-article/analytical-chemistry/titration-and-karl-fischer/smartchemicals-improve-titration-data) SmartChemicals enable wireless CoA data transfer, reducing human error in titration experiments. [Water Determination in Instant Coffee by Karl Fischer Titration](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/protocol/analytical-chemistry/titration-and-karl-fischer/water-determination-in-instant-coffee-by-karl-fischer-titrations) Foodstuffs often provide a challenge for the water determination by Karl-Fischer. Instant Coffee is such a sample matrix and its water content has influence on quality and shelf life. [Determination of Water Content in Acetone Using Karl Fischer Titration](https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/protocol/analytical-chemistry/titration-and-karl-fischer/water-determination-in-acetone) Summary application report for analysis of moisture in Acetone Top __Sign In To Continue__ To continue reading please sign in or create an account. Sign In__Don't Have An Account?__Register An unknown error has occured.