Which of the following is the correct procedure for preparing a buret for titration before loading it with titrant?

• A. Rinse the buret with distilled water, then rinse it with a small amount of the titrant solution.
• B. Dry the buret completely with a paper towel before adding the titrant.
• C. Rinse the buret only with distilled water and then fill it with the titrant.
• D. Fill the buret directly with the titrant without rinsing.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the purpose of rinsing a buret before titration: it ensures that any residual substances inside the buret do not dilute or contaminate the titrant solution.
2. First, rinse the buret with distilled water to remove any dust or impurities that might be inside the buret from previous use.
3. Next, rinse the buret with a small amount of the titrant solution itself. This step coats the inside of the buret with the titrant, preventing dilution of the titrant when you fill the buret.
4. Avoid drying the buret with a paper towel after rinsing because this can introduce fibers or contaminants; the rinsing steps are sufficient to prepare the buret.
5. Finally, fill the buret with the titrant solution carefully, ensuring no air bubbles are trapped, and the buret is ready for accurate titration.