Objectives
• To utilize acid-base and redox titrations to quantitate the amount of citric acid and
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in a powdered drink mix packet.
• To understand how stoichiometry allows for quantitation of an unknown quantity via
titration
• To learn to perform accurate and precise titrations
Introduction
Powdered drink mixes such as Kool-aid® consist primarily of citric acid which gives the drink
its characteristic tart flavor that balances the sweetness from the added sugar. In addition to citric
acid, the mix contains food dyes, preservatives such as calcium phosphate, artificial and natural
flavors, and Vitamin C. Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid. The ratio of citric acid to
ascorbic acid is approximately 100:1. In this experiment, titration techniques will be used to
quantitate the amounts of citric acid and ascorbic acid in a packet of powdered drink mix.