Titrant vs. Analyte — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 18, 2023

A titrant is the solution of known concentration used in titration. The analyte is the substance whose concentration is being determined in the titration.

Difference Between Titrant and Analyte

Table of Contents

➝ Key Differences ➝ Comparison Chart ➝ Definitions ➝ FAQs

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Key Differences

In the realm of chemistry, titration is a fundamental analytical procedure used to determine the concentration of a specific substance in a sample. The titrant is the solution with a known concentration that's added to a given volume of another solution to determine its concentration. On the other hand, the analyte is the substance in the sample whose concentration is being determined.

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In essence, while both the titrant and analyte play crucial roles in titration, their functions are distinct. The titrant provides a reference point with its known concentration, while the analyte's concentration remains the mystery to be uncovered.

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It's pivotal that the concentration of the titrant is known accurately because this information is used to determine the concentration of the analyte. If the titrant's concentration is off, the calculated concentration of the analyte will also be inaccurate.

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When performing a titration, the titrant is typically delivered from a burette into the analyte until the reaction between them is complete. This endpoint can be identified visually with an indicator or by some instrumental means. The volume of titrant used gives insights about the concentration of the analyte.

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In summation, a successful titration hinges on the precise interplay between the titrant and the analyte. Mastery of this technique enables chemists to accurately determine concentrations, which is vital in many scientific and industrial applications.

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Comparison Chart

Definition

Solution with known concentration used in titration.

Substance in a sample whose concentration is being determined.

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Role in Titration

Added to the sample to react with the analyte.

Reacts with the titrant during titration.

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Concentration

Known prior to titration.

Determined through titration.

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Delivery

Typically delivered from a burette.

Present in the sample container or flask.

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Purpose

Provides a reference point for determining the concentration of another substance.

The substance of interest; its concentration is the goal of the titration.

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Definitions

Titrant

The reagent added from a burette to a solution to determine its concentration.

The blue color vanished as the titrant reacted with the solution.

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Analyte

The substance or chemical being analyzed or detected in a sample.

The lab technician looked for traces of the analyte in the water sample.

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Titrant

A solution of known concentration used in titrations.

The chemist carefully measured the titrant before starting the procedure.

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Analyte

The compound of interest in analytical chemistry procedures.

The concentration of the analyte was higher than expected in the serum.

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Titrant

The standardized solution in titration.

She made sure the titrant was freshly prepared for accuracy.

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Analyte

The target molecule or ion in a chemical analysis.

The test kit was designed to specifically detect the analyte in question.

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Titrant

The known component in a titration procedure.

The volume of titrant used helped determine the end point of the titration.

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Analyte

The component in a sample subjected to quantitative or qualitative analysis.

Once the analyte was isolated, further tests were conducted to verify its properties.

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Titrant

The solution used as a reference in titrimetric analysis.

Without a properly standardized titrant, the experiment would be flawed.

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Analyte

The unknown component in titration whose concentration is being determined.

The color change indicated that the analyte had completely reacted.

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Titrant

A substance, such as a solution, of known concentration used in titration.

Apr 15, 2018

Analyte

An analyte, component (in clinical chemistry), or chemical species is a substance or chemical constituent that is of interest in an analytical procedure. The purest substances are referred to as analytes.

Apr 15, 2018

Titrant

(analytical chemistry) The reagent of known concentration and volume used in titrations.

Apr 15, 2018

Analyte

A substance whose chemical constituents are being identified and measured.

Apr 15, 2018

Analyte

A substance or sample being analyzed, usually by means of a laboratory procedure or test.

Apr 15, 2018

Analyte

(analytical chemistry) Any substance undergoing analysis.

Apr 15, 2018

FAQs

Can the roles of titrant and analyte be reversed?

In principle, yes. What is titrant in one experiment could be analyte in another, depending on the procedure's design.

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How do you identify the endpoint of a titration?

The endpoint is when the titrant has fully reacted with the analyte, often indicated by a color change or instrument reading.

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Why is the concentration of the titrant so critical?

The known concentration of the titrant allows for accurate determination of the analyte's concentration.

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Are titrant and analyte specific to a certain type of titration?

No, these terms apply to all types of titration, whether acid-base, redox, or others.

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What happens if too much titrant is added?

Over-adding titrant overshoots the endpoint, leading to inaccurate results about the analyte's concentration.

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What is the main function of the titrant in titration?

The titrant is used as a reference solution with a known concentration to determine the concentration of an analyte.

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Why is it important to note the volume of titrant used?

The volume of titrant used, combined with its concentration, allows for calculation of the analyte's concentration.

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How do you prepare a titrant for titration?

A titrant is typically prepared by dissolving a known amount of solute in a solvent and then standardizing it to confirm its concentration.

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What happens if the titrant's concentration is wrong?

An incorrect titrant concentration will lead to inaccurate determination of the analyte's concentration.

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Can multiple analytes be determined in a single titration?

Yes, but it requires careful procedure design and may involve multiple titrants or steps.

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Can any solution be used as a titrant?

No, the titrant should react specifically and completely with the analyte for accurate titration results.

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Can an analyte be a gas?

Yes, while analytes are often liquids or solids, gases can also be analyzed using specific titration techniques.

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Are all titrants liquids?

While most commonly liquid, solid titrants exist and can be used in specific titration procedures.

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How is the concentration of an analyte determined after titration?

By using the volume of titrant required to reach the endpoint and its known concentration, the concentration of the analyte can be calculated.

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Is it always necessary to use an indicator in titration?

Not always. While indicators help visually determine the endpoint, some titrations use instruments to detect when the titrant has fully reacted with the analyte.

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Author Spotlight

Written by

Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.