
Diclofenac Sodium Assay Method
Methanol Dissolution and Titration Method
Principle
Diclofenac Sodium is dissolved in methanol and titrated with 0.1 M sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The amount of Diclofenac Sodium present in the sample is calculated from the volume of NaOH consumed.
Factor:
1 mL of 0.1 M NaOH = 0.03181 g of Diclofenac Sodium
Reagents Required
- Diclofenac Sodium sample
- Methanol
- 0.1 M Sodium hydroxide solution
- Phenolphthalein indicator or suitable indicator
- Distilled water, if required
Apparatus Required
- Analytical balance
- Burette
- Pipette
- Conical flask
- Volumetric flask
- Measuring cylinder
- Funnel
Step-by-Step Procedure
Step 1: Sample Weighing
Accurately weigh the required quantity of Diclofenac Sodium sample using an analytical balance.
Step 2: Transfer
Transfer the weighed sample into a clean and dry conical flask.
Step 3: Dissolution
Add sufficient quantity of methanol to the conical flask.
Step 4: Mixing
Swirl the flask gently until the sample dissolves completely in methanol.
Step 5: Indicator Addition
Add 2–3 drops of phenolphthalein indicator to the solution.
Step 6: Burette Preparation
Fill the burette with 0.1 M NaOH solution. Remove air bubbles from the burette tip and note the initial burette reading.
Step 7: Titration
Titrate the sample solution with 0.1 M NaOH while continuously swirling the conical flask.
Step 8: Endpoint Detection
Continue titration until a faint pink colour appears and persists for about 30 seconds.
Step 9: Reading
Record the final burette reading and calculate the volume of NaOH consumed.Volume used=Final reading−Initial reading
Step 10: Blank Correction
Perform a blank titration using methanol and indicator without sample, if required. Subtract the blank volume from the sample titration volume.
Calculation
Amount of Diclofenac Sodium=V×F×0.03181
Where:
V = Volume of 0.1 M NaOH used in mL
F = Molarity correction factor of 0.1 M NaOH
0.03181 = Diclofenac Sodium equivalent in grams per mL of 0.1 M NaOH
Percentage Assay Formula
%Assay=WV×F×0.03181×100
Where:
W = Weight of sample taken in grams
Example Calculation
If:
Sample weight = 0.500 g
Volume of 0.1 M NaOH = 15.70 mL
Factor = 1.000%Assay=0.50015.70×1.000×0.03181×100 %Assay=99.88%
Precautions
Use dry and clean glassware. Dissolve the sample completely before titration. Fill the burette carefully without air bubbles. Add NaOH slowly near the endpoint. Record readings accurately. Follow the current pharmacopoeial monograph or approved SOP for official QC testing.




