The Karl Fischer method can be used with a wide range of substances. However, the method depends on a kind of iodometry based on the reaction between the Karl Fischer reagent and water. The results will therefore show a positive error if the sample includes substances that react with iodine, and a negative error if the sample includes substances that produce iodine by oxidizing iodide compounds. The following tables list substances that can be titrated directly with Karl Fischer reagents, substances that cannot be titrated directly but can be titrated by means of adjustments based on appropriate chemical reactions or processes, and substances that react with Karl Fischer reagents and are therefore unsuitable for direct titration. Even if a substance cannot be titrated directly, its moisture content can be measured by indirect means, such as the water vaporization method. Please contact mcckf. com for further information.

How can be used with interference

Compounds that can be titrated directly

Organic compounds
Hydrocarbons(saturated, unsaturated compounds)
Alcohols, Polyhydric alcohols, Phenols, Ethers
Inert ketones(diisopropyl ketone, et al)
Inert aldehydes(formaldehyde, chloral, et al)
Organic acids, Hydroxylic acids, amino acids
Acid anhydrides
Esters, Lactones, Inorganic acid esters
Amines( Proteins, Amides, Anilides
Nitriles, Cyanhydrins, Cyanic acid derivatives
Nitro compounds, Oximes, Hydroxamic acids
Thiocyanate, Thioethers, Thioesters
Halogenated hydrocarbons, Halogenated acyls
Sugars, Organic salts and their hydrates
Inorganic compounds
Inorganic salts and their hydrates
Inorganic acids
Chelate compounds
Fertilizers
Calcium carbonate
Polytungsten salts

Compounds that can be titrated directly after special processing or under certain conditions

The examination will be necessary for the following compounds though it was said that these could be titrated directly by the following treatments in former references.

Compound Treatment
AmmoniaAdd acetic acid.
Ferric saltsAdd 8-hydroxyquinoline.
Hydrazine derivativesAdd acetic acid.
Hydroxylamine saltsAdd sulfur dioxide: pyridine solution (1:1).
Thiol(mercaptan)Prevent interference by adding olefins(octene, etc.).
Sulfuric acidIf the sulfuric acid is 92%pure or higher, add a large surplus of pyridine and titrate it as a salt.
ThioacidPrevent interference by adding olefins(octene, etc.).
ThioureaPrevent interference by adding olefins(octene, etc.).

Compounds that react with Karl Fischer reagents and cannot be titrated directly

Organic compounds
Ascorbic acid, Diacyl peroxides
Peracids, Quinone
Inorganic compounds
Sodium sulfide, Sodium peroxide
Chromates, Dichromates
Ferric oxide, Nickel oxide, Arsenic trioxide
Arsenates, Arsenites, Borates, Boron oxide
Hydrogencarbonates, Carbonates
Metal hydroxides, Metal oxides
Sulfites, Pyrosulfites
Sodium nitrite, Thiosulfates
Cupric salts, Stannous salts