The Simulation of an Oxidation–Reduction Titration Curve with Computer Algebra

Abstract

Although the simulation of an oxidation/reduction titration curve is an important exercise in an undergraduate course in quantitative analysis, that exercise is frequently simplified to accommodate computational limitations. With the use of readily available computer algebra systems, however, such curves for complicated systems can be generated from a single expression for the mixed potential of the solution. A single-expression approach broadens the scope of reactions that can be simulated, and it demonstrates the effects of the completeness of the titration near the equivalence point. The titration of Br1- with Ce(IV) is given as an example and compared to the classic method of simulating the titration curve.