1. Preparation of MgY2- solution.
It is not necessary to know the exact concentration of this solution but it is essential that
Mg2+ and EDTA be present in a one - to - one mole ratio.
In two small labeled beakers take about 40-50 mL each of approximate 0.05 F MgSO4
and 0.05 F Na2H2Y from the laboratory stocks. (Beware. Two different concentrations of
Na2H2Y solution are available.)
Measure about 30 mL of each solution into a small clean erlenmeyer flask. Add 1 drop
of phenolphthalein to the flask and dropwise add 1 F NaOH to the first pink color. (The NaOH
is required for the complexation reaction, H2Y2- + Mg2+ + 2OH-
= MgY2- + 2H2O.) About 2-3
mL of NaOH solution will be needed. Now add about 10 mL of pH 10 buffer and 2-3 drops of
Erio T indicator solution. At this point the solution may be red, which signals the presence of
uncomplexed Mg2+. The solution may be blue, which signals an excess of EDTA. If a miracle
happens, the solution will be purple, signaling an essentially exact one - to - one mole ratio of
Mg2+ to EDTA. (Red + blue = purple.) In any case your objective is to make a solution that will
turn blue upon addition of 1 - 2 drops of EDTA solution and will turn red upon addition of 1 - 2
drops of Mg2+ solution. Depending on the color of your solution add dropwise and carefully and
with adequate mixing either Mg2+ or EDTA until the color just turns. (THINK FIRST.) Test the
solution by adding 1-2 drops of the other reactant to see that the color changes back. At this
point you have the required MgY2- solution. Label and cover the flask.