On potentiometric titration curves in complexometry.

An equation is given which describes the potential change during complexometric titration of metals with potentiometric end-point detection. The potential of the indicator electrode (e.g., silver or mercury electrode) depends on the equilibrium of the reaction MY + W right harpoon over left harpoon WY + M, where W represents the indicator metal ion, and M the metal ion determined by titration with the ligand Y, forming 1:1 chelates. Introduction of the conditional stability constants and corresponding side-reaction coefficients facilitates the prediction of the limits of application of this type of titration as well as the optimum conditions for the determination.