What is a Burette / buret?

A buret (or burette) is a precise liquid measuring instrument commonly used in chemical experiments and analytical chemistry, especially for titration. It consists of a long, narrow glass tube with graduated markings along its length and a stopcock at the bottom, which allows for controlled dispensing of liquid in small, precise amounts.

Burets are essential in quantitative analysis, such as acid-base and redox titrations, where a standard solution is used to determine the unknown concentration of another solution. There are different types of burets, including glass burets for general titration and plastic burets for light-sensitive or reactive chemicals. Proper cleaning and maintenance are crucial to ensure accuracy in measurements.

Application of Burette / buret

✅ Acid-Base Titration
A buret is used to determine the concentration of an acid or base by neutralization. For example, sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution is placed in the buret and slowly added to hydrochloric acid (HCl) in a flask. An indicator like phenolphthalein helps identify the endpoint, where the solution changes color at pH 7, allowing for precise concentration calculations.
✅ Redox Titration
This method is used to analyze oxidation-reduction reactions. For example, potassium permanganate (KMnO₄) solution in a buret is added to a solution containing iron(II) ions (Fe²⁺). The endpoint is identified by a persistent color change, helping determine the concentration of the unknown solution.
✅ Water Hardness Determination
A buret is used to measure the concentration of calcium (Ca²⁺) and magnesium (Mg²⁺) ions in water. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) solution is placed in the buret and added to the water sample, with an indicator helping identify the endpoint. This allows for precise determination of water hardness.
✅ Vitamin C Analysis in Food
A buret is used to measure the vitamin C (ascorbic acid) content in food or juice samples. Iodine solution is placed in the buret and titrated into the sample. The endpoint is determined using starch as an indicator, where the solution turns blue-purple, indicating the presence of vitamin C.

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