The Development of Mini-Scale / Small-Scale Chemistry Experiments

Wong, Jia Wei (2025) The Development of Mini-Scale / Small-Scale Chemistry Experiments. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology.

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Abstract

Small-scale experiments are frequently employed to reduce the use of hazardous chemicals and the production of hazardous waste. This approach not only improves the safety for chemists and students but also lowers the cost of chemicals purchases. In this study, the small-scale technique was applied in three separate experiments, which were the standardization of potassium permanganate solution by ammonium iron (II) sulfate solution, the determination of chromium (III) nitrate concentration using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and the determination of acetic acid in vinegar by titration with sodium hydroxide solution. The methods in this study were gradually reducing the scale of the reagent based on the traditional method without compromising the reliability of the experimental outcomes. The titration of potassium permanganate solution with ammonium iron (II) sulfate solution was conducted under various reduced-volume conditions, including variations in the volumes of ammonium iron (II) sulfate solution, sulfuric acid, and ortho-phosphoric acid. This experiment exhibits accurate results, indicating a successful reduction of ammonium iron (II) sulfate volume to 2.5 mL, which is a 10 times decrease compared to traditional titration methods. Additionally, the volume of sulfuric acid and ortho-phosphoric acid was effectively reduced to 1 to 3 drops. The concentration of chromium (III) nitrate was successfully reduced to one-tenth of the amount typically used in traditional methods, while still yielding accurate and reliable results. The volume of the vinegar sample used in the titration with sodium hydroxide solution was successfully reduced to 2.5 mL without compromising the accuracy of the results. The results confirm the use of small-scale techniques as an environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative to traditional macroscale methods, aligning with the principles of waste prevention in green chemistry as well as the 12th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of responsible consumption and production.