Reagent compositions and method for Karl Fischer titration

A method for determining an amount of water in a sample via Karl Fischer titration, said method comprising the steps of:

• A. providing the sample;
• B. providing a reagent composition comprising:
• (1) sulfur dioxide;
• (2) a derivative of imidazole having the following structure:
• wherein each of R, R1, and R2 is independently a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, provided that R, R1, and R2 are not all hydrogen atoms;
• (3) an alcohol;
• (4) at least one amino acid present in an amount from about 0.0001 to about 15 weight percent based on a total weight of the reagent composition;
• and
• (5) optionally iodine (I2);
• wherein a molar ratio of the derivative of imidazole to the sulfur dioxide is greater than 1:1;
• and
• C. titrating the sample with the reagent composition.

(Withdrawn/Currently amended) A reagent composition for a one-component Karl Fischer titration, said reagent composition comprising:

• (1) sulfur dioxide;
• (2) a derivative of imidazole having the following structure:
• wherein each of R, R1, and R2 is independently a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, provided that R, R1, and R2 are not all hydrogen atoms;
• (3) an alcohol;
• (4) at least one amino acid present in an amount that is greater than zero and up to about 10 weight percent based on a total weight of said reagent composition;
• and;
• and
• (5) iodine (I2);
• wherein a molar ratio of the derivative of imidazole to the sulfur dioxide or is greater than 1:1.