Which can be used as a standard solution in neutralization titrations?

a. Na2CO3
c. CH3COOH
b. NaHCO3
d. NaOH

After reading all of the responses I am of the opinion that the question asks about what solutions that previously have been standardized (by whatever means) CAN (not what is the best) be used for neutralization titrations. ANY of those listed CAN be used. As a second thought, yes, I would like to know what the author meant. Also, I might suggest that the question itself could be rewritten so as not to be misinterpreted.

I would say d.

Depends upon what you mean by a standard solution.

If you mean by standard solution a "primary standard" then I would go with NaHCO3. That's the only one in the list that can be weighed out from a bottle (after heating in an oven to dry it) and it is known purity of 100%. NaOH pellets pick up CO2 and water from the air, even in in a closed bottle, so that is not a primary standard. Na2CO3 CAN be used as a primary standard if it is heated (I THINK is is 170 C for a couple of hours to make NaHCO3). Acetic acid varies all over the map and isn't a primary standard. NOW, if you just want use a standardized material to neutralize another, then any of those materials may be used. But each, except NaHCO3 or Na2CO3 treated as I've said, must be standardized first with a primary standard.

It could be just me, but I think the question is referring to which one would be used as the standard in a neutralization titration. In general, a titration is usually done using with a strong acid or base. So, I would go with the one that bests fits that description. Usually when performing a titration for quantitative purposes in a lab, the base or acids or standardized and C of As are generated stating what the concentrations are. I would go with NaOH--the concentration wouldn't be pure but it would be in N or M, maybe 1 or 0.1 or something like that.

I'm curious to know which answer choice the author of the question felt was the correct answer choice.

Upon second thought, the author of the question may have been referring to which one would make the best analyte. If that is the case, then I would go with Sodium Carbonate (Na2CO3). During the experiment, Sodium Bicarbonate (NaHCO3) is made but Na2CO3 is usually the standard/analyte used. You probably would just use the bicarbonate to neutralize the remaining acid in the buret.

Yes, it is a poorly worded question