Potentiometric titration of Co(II) in presence of Co(III)

A potentiometric titration for cobalt(II) determination in the presence of Co(III) based on the oxidation of Co(II) with Na₂CrO₄ in ethylenediamine medium and back-titration of the oxidant excess with (NH₄)₂Fe(SO₄)₂ in acid medium is described. The titration is monitored with a Pt indicator electrode and carried out until the greatest jump of potential from one drop of titrant appears. A RSD smaller than 1.5% has been obtained for 50–300 μmol Co(II). The method proposed was applied in the analysis of a new type electroless copper plating solutions containing Co(II)-ethylenediamine complex compounds as reducing agents. Cu(II), Co(III) and Cr(III) do not interfere in the determination of Co(II).