Compounds that change color when exposed to acidic/basic solutions are known as indicators. Color indicators are widely used to detect pH and can be added to the reaction mixture to determine the titration endpoint/equivalence point.
In chemistry, different types of titration, including acid-base, redox, precipitation, and complexometric, several types of indicators are used. Each one has its pKa, pH range, and produces a particular color at different pH values. The two theories that explain the acid-base indicator are Ostwald's theory and the quinonoid theory.
What is methyl orange?
Methyl orange is an organic compound composed of nitrogen, carbon, sulfur hydrogen, oxygen, and sodium. C14H14N3NaO3S is an organic dye used as a pH indicator in titrations, because of its distinct and diverse color variations at different pH levels.
It is not the same as a universal indicator like litmus paper, since it has a narrow range of sensitivity. This means that it can only be used as an acidity test within the pH range of 3.1 to 4.4. It's also widely used in a variety of industries, including printing, paper, textiles, and food.
Properties of methyl orange:
|
|
Molecular Weight/ Molar Mass |
327.33 g·mol−1 |
Formula |
C14H14N3NaO3S |
Density |
1.28 g/cm3 |
Appearance |
Orange or yellow solid |
Melting point |
> 300 °C |
pKa |
4.2 |
pH range |
3.1 to 4.4 |
Color in acid |
Red |
Color in base |
Yellow |
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):
How is methyl orange synthesis?
The synthesis of methyl orange involves a four-step exothermic reaction. Sodium nitrite, sulfanilic acid, and dimethylaniline are used to make methyl orange.
Is methyl orange is a natural indicator?
The methyl orange is not a natural indicator; it is an organic compound that is synthesized using sodium nitrate, dimethylaniline, and sulphaniic acid.
Is methyl orange a weak acid or base?
Methyl orange is a weak acid that breaks down into orange neutral molecules when it comes in contact with water. In acidic conditions, the equilibrium is to the left, and the concentration of neutral molecules is too low to observe the orange color.
What color is methyl orange?
Methyl orange is a solid powder that is orange or yellow and is soluble in water and ethanol.
What type of indicator is methyl red?
Methyl red is a pH indicator that is red when the pH is less than 4.4, yellow when the pH is greater than 6.2, and orange in between, with a pKa of 5.1. It is commonly used as an acid-base indicator.
How does the methyl orange indicator work?
Methyl orange color has been observed to change from red to orange-yellow, this is due to a change in the electrons and their arrangements ions are inserted and removed. When methyl orange becomes basic, a hydrogen ion is lost from the -NN- bridge between the rings.
Why methyl orange is used as an indicator?
Because of its clear and distinct color variance at different pH values, methyl orange is an often used pH indicator in titration.
What is the pH range of the methyl orange indicator?
Methyl orange indicator has a working pH range of 3.1 (red) and 4.4 (yellow).
What is the color of the methyl orange indicator in acidic solution?
In an acidic medium, the color of the methyl orange indicator is red.
What color is the methyl orange indicator in a basic solution?
In a basic medium, the color of the methyl orange indicator is yellow.
Methyl orange is a natural indicator of true or false?
False, methyl orange is an artificial indicator that is synthesized in a laboratory. A natural indicator is a compound that changes color when exposed to acidic or basic media, for example, turmeric.
How is the methyl orange indicator prepared in the laboratory from methyl orange powder?
In a volumetric flask, weigh 100 mg of methyl orange and dissolve it in 100.00 mL of 95 % ethanol.
Why methyl orange is a good indicator?
Methyl orange is a commonly used pH indicator because it provides simple and distinct color changes throughout its pH range. It changes color at the pH of a midi-strength acid, it's widely employed in acid titrations. Methyl orange turns red in an acidic environment and yellow in a basic environment.
What happens when methyl orange is added to vinegar?
The methyl orange color changes from red to orange when the acidity of the solution decreases and vice versa as the acidity increases.
What is the pH range of phenolphthalein and methyl orange?
Methyl orange has a pH range of 3.1 to 4.4, it turns red to orange. Phenolphthalein has a pH range of 8.3 to 10.0, it turns colorless to pink.
References:
- Bell-Young, Lucy. ‘What Is Methyl Orange?’ ReAgent Chemicals, 9 July 2021, Available Here:
- Wikipedia contributors. (2022, February 15). Methyl orange. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Available Here:
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