The document discusses primary and secondary standards. A primary standard is a compound that is sufficiently pure such that a standard solution can be directly prepared by weighing and diluting the compound. It must be easy to obtain, purify, dry, store, and test for impurities. Sodium carbonate, sodium tetraborate, and benzoic acid are provided as examples of primary standards for acid-base, complex formation, and oxidation-reduction reactions respectively. A secondary standard is a substance whose concentration has been determined by comparison to a primary standard solution, rather than direct weighing. Hydrated salts generally do not make good standards due to drying difficulties, but some like sodium tetraborate do not effloresce and can