Determination of Water Content in D(+)-lactose-monohydrate Using Karl Fischer Titration

Product Group

Foodstuffs

General Information concerning the product group

Foodstuffs

Foodstuffs encompass the most diverse products. Depending on whether carbohydrate-rich, fatty or proteinrich substances are under investigation, different working techniques are favourable. Complex matrices that dissolve slowly, or where the water can only be slowly extracted, necessitate the use of solubilisers. In addition, titration under heating and the application of a homogeniser to accelerate water release are expedient.

Special Information concerning the sample and the methods

The dissolution of carbohydrates in methanolic KF solvents is often inadequate. For complete dissolution of the sample the addition of formamide is necessary. However, the proportion of formamide should not exceed 50 %. Additionally, titration under warm conditions (50 °C) is favourable. With some types of sugar, however, heating leads to disintegration. At room temperature lactose shows sufficient solubility in methanol. Water determination can thus be carried out according to standard methods of volumetric one or two component titration, as well as the coulometric method. Furthermore, lactose is utilised as a firm standard of the KF oven technique. At 140 - 160 °C the water is easily released. The sample quantity depends on the the subsequent KF method (volumetric: aprrox. 0.25 g; coulometric: approx. 0.75g). The theoretic water concentration of lactose-monohydrate is 5 %.

Titration one component system

Reagents:

Titrant
188005 Aquastar^® - CombiTitrant 5 - One component reagent for volumetric Karl Fischer titration, 1 mL = approx. 5 mg water

Solvent
50 mL 188009 Aquastar^® - CombiMethanol - Solvent for volumetric Karl Fischer titration with one component reagents, max. 0.01 % water

Titration Parameters:
Stirring time: 180 sec.
Default titration settings, e.g.:
I(pol) = 20 - 50 µA, U(EP) = 100 - 250 mV
Stop criterion: drift < 20 µL/min

Sample size:
0.1 g - 0.3 g

Procedure:
The titration medium is first placed into the cell and titrated dry by means of the titrant. Then the sample is added from a weighing boat (exact sample weight determination by weighing of weighing boat before and after addition) and the titration is started. For complete dissolution of the sample a stirring time of at least 180 seconds is recommended. After four to five analyses the KF solvent should be changed.

Titration two component system

Reagents:

Titrant
188010 Aquastar^® - Titrant 5 - Titrant for volumetric titration with two component reagents, 1 mL = approx. 5 mg water

Solvent
50 mL 188015 Aquastar^® - Solvent - Solvent for volumetric titration with two component reagents

Titration Parameters:
Stirring time: 180 sec.
Default titration settings, e.g.:
I(pol) = 20 - 50 µA, U(EP) = 100 - 250 mV
Stop criterion: drift < 20 µL/min

Sample size:
0.1 g - 0.3g

Procedure:
The titration medium is first placed into the cell and titrated dry by means of the titrant. Then the sample is added from a weighing boat (exact sample weight determination by weighing of weighing boat before and after addition) and the titration is started. For complete dissolution of the sample a stirring time of at least 180 seconds is recommended. After four to five analyses the KF solvent should be changed.

Coulometry with diaphragm

Reagents:

Catholyte
5 mL 109255 Aquastar^® - CombiCoulomat frit - Coulometric Karl Fischer reagent for cells with diaphragm

Anolyte
100 mL 109255 Aquastar^® - CombiCoulomat frit - Coulometric Karl Fischer reagent for cells with diaphragm

Titration Parameters:
Stirring time: 180 sec.
Default coulometer settings for cell with diaphragm:
For end point indication, e.g.:
I(pol) = 5 - 10 µA, U(EP) = 50 - 100 mV
Stop criterion: drift < 10 µg/min

Sample size:
approx. 0.075 g

Procedure:
The Karl-Fischer reagent is placed into the cathode and anode compartment of the titration cell with diaphragm. The coulometer is started and the solvent is titrated dry. After preliminary titration and stabilisation of drift the sample is added from a weighing boat (exact sample weight determination by weighing of weighing boat before and after addition) and the titration is started. For complete dissolution of the sample a stirring time of at least 180 seconds is recommended. After five to six analyses the KF solvent should be changed.

Coulometry without diaphragm

Reagents:

Working medium
100 mL 109257 Aquastar^® - CombiCoulomat fritless - Coulometric Karl Fischer reagent for cells with or without diaphragm

Titration Parameters:
Stirring time: 180 sec.
Default coulometer settings for cell without diaphragm:
For end point indication, e.g.:
I(pol) = 5 - 10 µA, U(EP) = 50 - 100 mV
Stop criterion: drift < 10 µg/min

Sample size:
approx. 0.075 g

Procedure:
The Karl-Fischer reagent is placed into the titration cell without diaphragm. The coulometer is started and the solvent is titrated dry. After preliminary titration and stabilisation of drift the sample is added from a weighing boat (exact sample weight determination by weighing of weighing boat before and after addition) and the titration is started. For complete solution of the sample a stirring time of at least 180 seconds is recommended. After five to six analyses the KF solvent should be changed.