Ball State University Chemistry Analysis CHEM 225 Laboratory Report Experiment No. 6 Experiment: Kjeldahl Analysis of Blood and Nitrogen Name: Haley N. Snyder Date: 02/20/2014 I. Introduction This lab of blood analysis consisted of acid-base titrations. Three titrations were done using indicator solutions as well as certain specified weights of other substances to make the sample blood solution titration-ready for the lab procedures. Throughout this experiment, the analysis of Nitrogen within a sample of blood was done. Although Nitrogen is a very difficult element to analyze, the process was done with precision and accuracy. The procedures completed within the lab were bio-chemistry based and founded by Kjeldahl, an organic chemist. In more general terms, the analysis of Nitrogen was performed within the presence of a dense matrix. II. Procedure The following procedures were utilized within the lad with the variation of the exclusion of performing the procedures within the Macro Method: G-6 Semi-Micro Method – Digestion Phase, Distillation Phase and Titration Phase. III. Equipment and Reagents The following equipment and reagents were used within the lab experiment other than those tools held within the general equipment drawers assigned: unknown dried blood sample (B), Sucrose (C_12_H_22_O_11), ungummed cigarette paper, Sodium Sulfate (Na_2_SO_4_) reagent grade solid, Sulfuric Acid (1:1), Hengar catalyst granules, Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) reagent grade flasks or pellets, Boric Acid (HBO_2_) reagent grade solid, granulated or mossy zinc metal, standard N/10 or N/100 H_2_SO_4_ and Methyl Purple indicator solution. IV. Data, Graphs and Statistics The table below represents all weights and data collected while performing each procedure: Flask Description g Blood Sample (B) Na_2_SO_4 (g) 23 0.0301 g 1.501 g 3 0.0304 g 1.530 g D2 0.0302 g 1.503 g Weight of Boric Acid in receiving beaker: 4.03 g HB NaOH Pellets (g) 5.101 g 5.140 g 5.010 g ml Burette (H^+) 27.7 ml 28.5 ml 28.1 ml The table below represents the calculated percent of Nitrogen present within each blood sample: g Blood Sample (B) 0.0301 g 0.0304 g 0.0302 g Mean: 17.92% N Standard Deviation: 0.1657 Q-Test: 0.576 < 0.941 (data must be retained) %N Present in Blood Sample (B) 17.75% N 18.08% N 17.94% N V. Discussion The analysis of nitrogen within a matrix presents itself to many obstacles in retaining appropriate data and results. Blood is very difficult to analyze due to the fact that it is so complex and so intense with other dense materials contained within it, which causes the analysis of the elements within it to be difficult as well. Nitrogen is considered an inner gas and does not necessarily do anything drastic to reveal itself. Considering nitrogen makes up about 75% of our world, it is difficult to analyze because if its abundance in preservatives, humans, foods, animals, etc. The main point if the blood analysis lab was analyze the nitrogen present which is done by either the Macro-Method or the Semi-Micro Method which was founded by Kjeldahl, an organic chemist. Because the Macro-Method involves the analysis of large quantities of certain substances, within this specific lab procedure, the Semi-Micro Method was utilized due to the small quantities of sample analyzed. Because of the small quantities of the blood sample used, there was a large possible margin of error: the method of weighing out a 0.0300 g sample of the dried cow blood was done by placing cigarette paper on the scale, zeroing that mass out and then placing the sample on the paper instead of a weighing boat. This method was used because of the forces of static electricity between the plastic weighing boat and the blood sample. If any of the sample was lost and/or dropped off of that weighing boat then the experiment would have been ruined. However, a large portion of that error was avoided by using the rolling paper instead, but when transferring the weighed sample of blood from the scale to the flask itself presented error as well. When crumpling the rolling paper onto itself to entrap the sample, a small percentage of the sample was liable to either fall out or bounce off of the paper from the vibrations of the crackling paper. This minor loss of sample could have led to error within the calculations later in the lab. When analyzing the digestion phase of life within a human, we review over what aspects make digestion happen: HCl acid, enzymes, heat (body heat), time (5 hours) and excretion (urine and feces). Comparing digestion of food in humans to the digestion of substances in the lab procedure, we review over similar aspects in lab that serve as a mere replacement of those in the human body: H_2_SO_4 acid, Hengar crystals (catalyst), heat (boiling the solution prepared), time (5-10 minutes for color change) and digestion of the substance 100%. Hypothetically, humans should not be excreting feces. If humans did not have a large intestine and digested the substances put into the body 100%, only urine would be excreted. Within the lab procedure, a type of process similar to this is expressed. When the blood solution is prepared, heating of the solution for five to ten minutes is vital in order to reach the desired color change to the yellowish-clear pigment after the appearance of a black, think substance is boiled through. Precautionary measures must have been taken in order to ensure that no glass-wear was broken or cracked. Glassware utilized within the experiment was extremely sensitive to heat and had to be watched closely. If glass were to be broken within any part of the procedure, the sample contained within it would have been ruined and not reusable or even able to be recycled for later experiments/procedures. Due to the fragility of the flasks, placing them within beakers to hold them in place was done to ensure safety both of the glassware as well as the analyzers within the experiment. When cleaning the flasks before proceeding to the rest of the experiment, thorough cleaning is vital. If there is presence of other substances within the flask, the digestion phase could have possibly been altered or varied due to whatever extra substance was present. Analyzing the flasks for hairline cracks as well as star-crack was also important before performing the lab due to the risk of breakage and loss of sample obtained. When preparing for the heating process, placing the flask in the appropriate position on the Kjeldahl Digestion Rack is important for efficient heating of the solution in the flask. For efficient heating, placing the flask under the suction hole closest to the hoes allows for proper of gas extraction into the drain so the laboratory room does not fill up with toxic gaseous air. Setting up the distillation apparatus provides area for error as well. When connecting the few parts of the apparatus, making sure the plugs and glass are secure is vital. If the stoppers are not tightly secure within the opening of the glassware then gas is able to leak out which prevents the digestion and evaporation of the solution from the flask to the receiving beaker. This error causes error within the following procedures of titration and volumetric measurements within the burette. While heating the solution in the flask over the Bunsen burner, controlling the temperature is crucial due to the need to moderate the amount of bubbles created in the receiving flask. If the bubbles are produced too fast then the solution is unable to trap the gas accurately which defeats the purpose of the lab results in the end after the calculations. If the temperature is dropped then the pressure and volume vary which in turn ruins the experiment. Once the experiment is ruined it is impossible to make up. One last error possible within this experiment is the possibility of the substance not digesting 100% which then leads to inaccurate results and conclusions toward the end of the lab procedure. VI. References There were no outside references used within the lab experiment.