Question
The amount of nitrogen in an organic substance can be determined by an analytical method called the Kjeldahl method, in which all the nitrogen in the organic substance is converted to ammonia. The ammonia, which is a weak base, can be neutralized with hydrochloric acid, as described by the equation NH_3(aq) + HCl(aq) rightarrow NH_4 Cl(aq) If 46.0 mL of 0.150 M HCl(aq) is needed to neutralize all the NH_3(g) from a 2.25-g sample of organic material, calculate the mass percentage of nitrogen in the sample.
Explanation / Answer
no of mole of HCl reacted = V*M = 46*0.15
= 6.9 mmole
from equation 1mole HCl = 1 mole NH3
no of mole of NH3 reacted = 6.9 mmole
amount of NH3 reacted = 6.9*10^-3*17
= 0.1173 g
% of Nitrogen in sample = wt of N/wt of sample*100
= 0.1173/2.25*100
= 5.21%