VCE Chemistry/Unit 3 Area of Study: Analytical Chemistry

Primary standard

These are substance that are pure enough, that the amount of substance in mole can be calculated accurately from their mass.

It is essential that primary standards

• be pure
• have a known molecular formula
• not react with the atmospheres
• have a high molar mass
• be easily obtainable

Suitable Primary standards are

acidic: Hydrated oxalic acid, potassium hydrogen phtalate

basic: Anhydrous Sodium Carbonate, sodium Oxalate