The Formalism of Titration Theory

Abstract

Acid—base theory can be rationalized by introducing the concept of the proton function, ^HC. Specifically, the pH of any solution is given by ^HC = 0, the buffer strength is given by B = [H⁺]d^HC/d[H⁺], and the titration of any acid or mixture of acids with a base or mixture of bases (or its inverse) is given by ^HC_t V_t = -^HC₈V₈, where t and s denote titrant and sample respectively. The same unifying approach can be extended to complexation, precipitation, and redox equilibria.